The last few hours have seen Barcelona's name linked with signing Manchester City star Rodri, who is likely to leave the English club during the current summer transfer window.
Rodri has less than one year remaining on his contract with Manchester City, and the player is keen to pursue a new step in his football career.
Real Madrid is considered the most prominent destination for Rodri, as the latter dreams of moving to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, according to recent reports.
Spanish newspaper AS reported that Barcelona is closely monitoring the negotiations between Manchester City and Real Madrid regarding Rodri, and if the Royal club does not agree with the Citizens on signing the player, the Blaugrana will take the next step, as the Catalan club holds on to hope of securing the signature of the Spain national team captain.
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The newspaper added that Barcelona has contacted Manchester City officials to discuss Rodri's situation and his contract with the Citizens, and the goal behind this deal may be to prevent their traditional rival from signing the player, or to compensate for Frenkie de Jong's injury absence.
It clarified that Real Madrid remains the closest to signing Rodri, but Manchester City's high financial demands are raising concerns for the Merengues about completing the deal, while Barcelona officials informed the English club that they are interested in signing the player, and this should be taken into account in negotiations with the Royal club.
This approach contradicts Barcelona's direction at the start of the summer transfer window, which primarily focuses on signing an outright striker, not a midfielder, despite de Jong's injury.
AS concluded by saying that Barcelona is considered a secondary party in the Rodri deal, but the coming days could witness a radical development in the transfer.
