Rodri of Manchester City
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Real Madrid have made five signings so far this summer: Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate and Carlos Espi.
The club are now focused on signing Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig and Rodri from Manchester City.
Jose Mourinho is personally pushing to sign the Spaniard, with the club now in negotiations with the Premier League side.
Real Madrid’s arch-rivals FC Barcelona were also considering making a move for the 30-year-old midfielder in the aftermath of Frenkie de Jong’s injury.
Now, according to MARCA, the Catalan club have no intention of making a move for the Spain captain as things stand.
Rodri of Manchester City
Barcelona rule out move for Rodri. (Photo by Annabel Lee-Ellis/Getty Images)
The report says Hansi Flick and Deco believe Barcelona already have enough midfield options for the three central positions.
Even Frenkie de Jong’s injury has not convinced the sporting department to change their plans. Pedri, Marc Bernal, Gavi, Marc Casado, Fermin Lopez and Dani Olmo are all available as midfield options.
Even Eric Garcia and Andreas Christensen can do a job as defensive midfielders should the coach need a more defensively oriented profile.
Rodri’s potential price is considered another obstacle for the Catalan club. Manchester City are expected to demand around €70 million to sell the Spaniard this summer, a fee Barça do not want to pay.
Rodri of Manchester City
Rodri only wants Real Madrid. (Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images)
The Catalans also believe that the 30-year-old’s clear preference is to join Los Blancos, with the player keen on securing a return to Madrid.
From Real Madrid’s perspective, Rodri has been very clear about his intentions since the start of the transfer window.
Barça’s interest seemed merely exploratory in nature, with the Catalan club still focusing on signing a marquee striker to replace Robert Lewandowski.
The onus is now on Real Madrid, who have a clear path to Rodri’s signing. The club need to advance talks with Manchester City and get a deal done.
Rodri is currently recovering from minor back surgery. Mourinho will be keen for him to make a complete recovery and link up with his new teammates sooner rather than later.
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid
Still no progress in renewal talks. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid
Arsenal ready to go all in. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)