Manchester City brace for Real Madrid bid for Rodri amid contract talks
Rodri’s future at Manchester City
Manchester City are preparing for a potential bid from Real Madrid for midfielder Rodri. Despite this, Manchester City remains optimistic that the 30-year-old will agree to a new contract. His current terms are set to expire next June, and discussions regarding a new deal have been ongoing for some time.
Real Madrid‘s interest in Rodri marks a shift from their previous stance. This change follows his performances as captain for Spain during their World Cup campaign. His reliability over the summer has also eased concerns about his physical condition, especially after two seasons affected by injuries. However, Rodri is scheduled to undergo surgery for a back injury after returning from North America.
In March, Rodri had indicated a willingness to play for Real Madrid, stating that his past with Atlético would not prevent such a move. He noted that other players have made similar transitions, suggesting that one cannot decline an opportunity with one of the world’s top clubs.
Transfer market activities
The interest from Real Madrid in Rodri could also spark interest from other major clubs. Barcelona might consider a move for him, particularly after Frenkie de Jong‘s medial collateral ligament injury, which has sidelined him for several months. Paris Saint-Germain is also known to hold an admiration for the player.
To potentially fund the acquisition of Rodri, Real Madrid may need to generate funds. This could involve the sale of Aurélien Tchouaméni, especially if they proceed with the expected signing of Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig for a fee reported to be well over €100m. Tchouaméni, a 26-year-old French player, is believed to have agreed to a new contract with the club, though this has not been officially announced. His current contract is set to conclude in the summer of 2028.
Manchester United continues to show interest in Tchouaméni, although earlier in the transfer window, there were uncertainties regarding whether Real Madrid‘s asking price of approximately £70m for the midfielder would align with their budget. Another player on Manchester United‘s radar is Tchouaméni‘s teammate, Eduardo Camavinga, who is estimated to cost between €50m and €60m.
Other notable transfer developments
In other transfer news, Leeds United is reportedly close to finalising a £40m deal for 23-year-old England goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City. Manchester United has also entered advanced discussions to loan 25-year-old Netherlands forward Joshua Zirkzee to Juventus for a season, with an option to buy for £30m.
Paris St-Germain is also reportedly interested in 23-year-old Japan goalkeeper Zion Suzuki from Parma, who has also been linked with Aston Villa and Juventus. Crystal Palace has reached an agreement on personal terms with 19-year-old French centre-back Raphael Le Guen from Brest. Additionally, Paris St-Germain‘s 18-year-old Senegal forward Ibrahim Mbaye has been offered to both Liverpool and Manchester City, as his agents have indicated he will not be joining Aston Villa this summer.
Real Madrid is also set to hold further discussions with Vinicius Jr‘s representatives to secure a new long-term contract for the 26-year-old Brazil winger, amidst interest from Arsenal. Real Madrid has also made a second offer, valued between £94m and £98m, for 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, but further negotiations are needed to meet RB Leipzig‘s demands. Liverpool was also reportedly interested in Diomande.
Sevilla is reportedly willing to sell 22-year-old Ruben Vargas for 20m euros (£17m), with Brighton, Newcastle, and Aston Villa among the Premier League clubs interested in the 27-year-old Switzerland winger. Sunderland has agreed to personal terms with 20-year-old Toulouse and France Under-21 left-back Dayann Methalie. Furthermore, Fulham‘s 29-year-old Serbia international Sasa Lukic is among the midfield targets for Ipswich Town this summer.
Chelsea is looking to ensure any transfer fee received for Pedro Neto is proportionate to other wide attackers this summer, given growing interest in the former Wolves player. Liam Delap and Emmanuel Emegha, who joined Chelsea 12 months ago, are reportedly nearing an exit. Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has stated that Chelsea captain Granit Xhaka is not for sale.
In EFL news, Wrexham is reportedly close to signing Crystal Palace defender Danny Imray. In Scotland, Rangers youngster Pau Nsio is expected to join another Scottish Premiership side on loan for the season. Rangers star Mohamed Diomande has stated he will not be leaving this summer.
Source: bbc.com
