Officials within Manchester City have recognised the severity of one particular factor surrounding defensive midfield mainstay Rodri, according to reports.

The challenges and demands of the 2023/24 season have extended deep into the summer months for the Spain international midfielder, who is playing an integral part for his nation in their pursuit of European Championship glory in Germany this month.

Having scored a vital goal in the last-16 clash with Georgia, Spain now face a mammoth quarter-final showdown with hosts Germany for a place in the semi-final where either Portugal or France will await.

Events unfolding on the continent follow a mammoth effort from Rodri in Manchester City's fourth successive Premier League title win, overcoming another fierce challenge from Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal squad.

However, the somewhat over-dependency on the fitness and top-level performances of Rodri has now been recognised by staff at Manchester City, who could turn to the transfer market to reduce the reliance on the 28-year-old.

According to the information of The Athletic's Sam Lee, Manchester City have recognised that they have no player capable of 'directly replacing' defensive midfield first choice Rodri if the Spaniard is either injured or suspended, or simply needs a rest during a season.

It is explained that Etihad bosses view Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes as being capable of fulfilling that role. However, the signing of the Brazilian could mean that the balance of the squad - in terms of morale - could be affected in Pep Guardiola's eyes.

Manchester City have also been linked with an interest in Bayern Munich's Joshua Kimmich, who retains chances of leaving the Bundesliga giants in the coming weeks and months in search of a fresh challenge at the top of European football.

The current belief in some quarters is that the versatile Germany international is keen on a move to the Premier League, and with a reunion potentially on the cards with his former coach Pep Guardiola, Manchester City may have the upper hand in the race for the player.

The Premier League champions could also offer Kimmich the opportunity to be flexible in his contributions across the field, with right-back somewhat open to change given consistencies in performances, and defensive midfield in need of reinforcement, as previously discussed.