Rodri’s Contract Situation
Manchester City are reportedly optimistic that Rodri will agree to a new contract. The midfielder’s current deal is set to expire in June of next year, and discussions regarding a new agreement have been ongoing.
However, Real Madrid are understood to be preparing an offer for the Spain captain. Real Madrid’s interest in Rodri has reportedly shifted following his performances as captain during Spain’s World Cup campaign, where he was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
Rodri’s consistent availability over the summer has also addressed previous concerns about his physical condition, which had been impacted by two seasons marked by injuries. Despite this, he is scheduled to undergo surgery for a back injury after returning to England from North America.
In March, Rodri had indicated a willingness to play for Real Madrid, stating that his previous time with Atlético in 2018-19 would not prevent him from joining their city rivals. He noted that other players have made similar moves, perhaps not directly, but eventually, and emphasized that one cannot decline an offer from one of the world’s top clubs.
Potential Bids and Other Club Interest
Real Madrid’s pursuit of Rodri could spark interest from other prominent clubs. Barcelona may consider a move for the midfielder, especially after Frenkie de Jong sustained a medial collateral ligament injury that will keep him out for several months. Paris Saint-Germain are also known to admire Rodri.
Real Madrid may need to generate funds to secure Rodri, particularly if they proceed with the expected signing of Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig for a fee reported to be over €100m. This could potentially lead to the sale of Aurélien Tchouaméni. Tchouaméni, a 26-year-old Frenchman, is believed to have agreed to a new contract with Real Madrid, though this has not been officially announced. His current contract is set to conclude in the summer of 2028.
Manchester United continue to be interested in Tchouaméni, but earlier in the transfer window, they were uncertain if Real Madrid’s asking price for the midfielder, reportedly around £70m, would fit within their budget. Tchouaméni’s teammate, Eduardo Camavinga, is also on United’s radar, with a potential cost estimated between €50m and €60m.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are reportedly confident in their ability to sign Rodri from Manchester City, with some reports suggesting they are actively working on a deal for the 30-year-old Spain captain.
Other Transfer Speculations
In other transfer news, Arsenal are considering a player-plus-cash deal for Atlético Madrid and Argentina striker Julian Alvarez, who is 26 years old. This potential deal could involve 28-year-old Sweden forward Viktor Gyokeres moving to the La Liga club. Roma are also reportedly interested in signing Norway winger Oscar Bobb from Fulham, despite the 23-year-old having only joined Fulham from Manchester City six months ago.
Paris St-Germain has not yet made a formal bid of £102m (120m euros) for RB Leipzig’s 19-year-old Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande, which has reportedly given renewed hope to clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal, Real Madrid, and Manchester City. Newcastle’s Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, 28, remains a primary target for Arsenal this summer, with Bournemouth’s 22-year-old England international Alex Scott also being considered as a midfield option.
Newcastle is expected to reject Arsenal’s offer of £70m for Guimaraes, though the player is reportedly keen on a move to Arsenal. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly prepared to pay up to £90m to secure Guimaraes. Manchester United are not looking to sell their captain, Bruno Fernandes, 31, despite rumors linking the Portugal midfielder with a departure from Old Trafford. Como is expected to meet with Chelsea on Saturday to discuss the signing of England defender Trevoh Chalobah, 27, who will not be allowed to leave for less than £30m. Chelsea has also submitted an initial offer for 18-year-old Bayer Leverkusen and Bosnia-Herzegovina winger Kerim Alajbegovic. Arsenal and Hamburg are in talks regarding 26-year-old Portugal midfielder Fabio Vieira, who wishes to join the Bundesliga club after a loan spell there last season. England striker Marcus Rashford has been invited to participate in a Manchester United documentary by Amazon, suggesting that senior figures at the club are willing to retain the 28-year-old.
Real Madrid are reportedly confident they will sign Rodri from Manchester City.
Source: theguardian.com
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