Rodri’s future has become one of the biggest stories of the summer, and any movement involving Manchester City’s midfield linchpin would inevitably have implications for Arsenal.
Real Madrid‘s interest in Rodri has inevitably caught the attention of Arsenal supporters, with few in north London likely to be disappointed if one of Manchester City‘s most influential players were to leave this summer.
Alongside Pep Guardiola and their 115 charges, Rodri has been central to City’s dominance of English football in recent years.
His absence has often exposed their vulnerabilities, and although he took time to rediscover his best form after suffering his ACL injury, his performances at this summer’s World Cup, where he was named the tournament’s best player, suggest he is back to his highest level.
Real Madrid have been strongly linked with a move for the 30-year-old, who is reported to be open to the switch. City, however, are determined to keep him and have already offered him a new contract, with his current deal due to expire next summer.
The Premier League champions are hopeful Rodri will sign that extension but are also preparing for an approach from Real Madrid, aware that the contract they offered him has been sitting, unsigned, on the table for some time.
For whatever reason, the midfielder has yet to accept City’s offer, and earlier this year he acknowledged that representing Real Madrid would appeal despite his previous spell with Atletico Madrid.
“Having played for Atlético [in 2018-19] before would not prevent me from playing for Real Madrid,” he said. “There are other players who have done that before. Maybe not direct transfers, but eventually. You can’t turn down one of the world’s best clubs.”
Reports suggest City would want around €80 million to sanction a sale if it comes to that, while Real Madrid are understood to value Rodri closer to €60 million and would be prepared to offer him a contract running until 2030.
As it stands, it seems like Real Madrid want Rodri and the midfielder is open to the idea of moving.
Will he, though? For the answer to that, we will have to wait and see.
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