Arsenal legend Anders Limpar has warned Manchester City that selling Rodri would be a catastrophic mistake, predicting the club could slide to a sixth or seventh-place finish in the Premier League without the Ballon d'Or winner. Speaking to SveaCasino, Limpar insisted that Rodri is irreplaceable and that his departure would hand Arsenal a massive boost in the title race.
City's Midfield Crisis
Manchester City are facing a pivotal summer as they navigate life after Pep Guardiola, who departed at the end of last season. New manager Enzo Maresca has already lost Bernardo Silva to Real Madrid, and now Rodri appears destined for the exit, with Barcelona emerging as the likely destination over Real Madrid. The 30-year-old Spain international, who was named player of the tournament at the 2026 World Cup, has reportedly told the club he wants a fresh challenge.
City have been proactive in the transfer market, securing Elliot Anderson earlier in the summer, but Limpar believes no signing can fill the void left by Rodri. 'If Manchester City sell Rodri they are shooting themselves in the foot because he cannot be replaced,' Limpar said. 'We said the same about David Silva but they did replace him and brought in a couple of good players, like Bernardo Silva, but it's even harder to replace Rodri now.'
The 'Engine' That Drives City
Rodri's importance to City's success cannot be overstated. Since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2019, he has been the anchor of their midfield, winning four Premier League titles, a Champions League, and the Ballon d'Or in 2025. His injury-interrupted 2025-26 campaign highlighted how much City rely on him; without him, they struggled for consistency and finished third, 12 points behind champions Liverpool.
Limpar, who won the Premier League with Arsenal in 1989, believes Rodri's unique skill set makes him impossible to replace. 'He's a Ballon d'Or winner because of how good he is in his role. Who are you going to replace him with?' he asked. 'City have to be very, very careful here or they can become a mediocre team that struggles to finish sixth or seventh even with Erling Haaland because Rodri is the machine. He's the engine in that midfield.'
A Boost for Arsenal
Limpar, who made 96 appearances for Arsenal between 1990 and 1994, sees a silver lining for his former club. 'It would be the best signing of the summer for Arsenal if Rodri goes to Barcelona or Real Madrid,' he said. Arsenal have been actively strengthening their squad this summer, with Gabriel Jesus reportedly available for transfer and a £75m move for Bruno Guimaraes in the works, and they are seen as City's main challengers for the title.
Haaland's Future in Question
Limpar also raised concerns about Erling Haaland's long-term future at City, suggesting Bayern Munich could come calling next summer as they plan for life after Harry Kane. 'The player who should replace Harry Kane at Bayern Munich? It's Erling Haaland,' Limpar said. 'He must be their number one target because Kane and Haaland are the two greatest goalscorers in the world, so if you have to try and replace Kane you can only do it by signing Haaland. Otherwise you won't be signing a true replacement.'
Haaland has scored 132 goals in 140 appearances for City, but with Kane turning 33 this month, Bayern are already scouting for successors. Limpar believes Haaland could be tempted by the challenge of breaking records in Germany. 'I think Harry Kane will break Lionel Messi's record for the most goals scored in one year this year. It is going to be very difficult for Bayern Munich to replace him some day. But maybe Haaland wants to be his equal or better him and break that record for himself in the future,' he added.
What's Next for City?
As the transfer window enters its final weeks, City face a critical decision on Rodri. With Barcelona reportedly preparing a bid, the club must weigh the financial gain against the sporting risk. Limpar's warning echoes the sentiments of many pundits who believe Rodri is the most important player in the Premier League. Without him, City's chances of reclaiming the title from Liverpool look slim, and even a top-four finish could be in doubt.
For now, Maresca must prepare his squad for the season opener against Chelsea on August 15, with or without Rodri. The uncertainty is palpable, and as Limpar aptly put it, City are 'shooting themselves in the foot' if they let their midfield maestro go.
