‘Transfer not planned’ – Manchester City issued warning over potential approach for player

Napoli are unwilling to sell Stanislav Lobotka amid claims of Manchester City’s interest, according to Sky Italia’s Francesco Modugno.

The journalist was a guest on Radio Marte and his comments are relayed by Area Napoli. Host Dario Sarnataro asked Modugno about the recent claims from the UK linking the midfielder with a move to the Etihad.

Manchester City star Rodri suffered a serious knee injury last month. Pep Guardiola has earlier confirmed the Citizens will be without the Spaniard for the rest of the season.

Rodri’s setback has seen the Premier League winners get linked to a few midfielders in the past few weeks. The British press have talked about the 29-year-old, who has impressed under Antonio Conte.

The Slovakia international, who made nine appearances in all competitions this season, has a deal lasting until 2027, with an option for another year. According to Modugno, the Naples club have no plans to part ways with the key player in the winter market.

“Are fans worried that Stanislav Lobotka could really go to Pep’s Manchester City in January because of Rodri’s injury? A transfer of the Slovakian is not planned or foreseeable,” he said.

“Such a negotiation would imply a firm reaction from the Azzurri club like the one seen with Paris Saint-Germain for Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who in the end did not leave and remained in Campania.” 

Manchester City have also been credited with an interest in Torino’s Samuele Ricci, who is thrilled with the recent links.