Manchester City have turned down a renewed offer from Barcelona for Spain midfielder Rodri, insisting the Spanish champions must offer more than £60m before any deal can be agreed. The 30-year-old remains a target for Barcelona as negotiations between the two clubs continue, though reports differ on exactly how much was tabled in the latest proposal.
According to TeamTalk, this was Barcelona's second attempt, worth around €60m (£51m), and it was still considered too low by City's hierarchy. Sky Sports, however, put the figure closer to £40m and reported that talks have paused for now, with a fresh proposal from Barcelona expected within days. A separate account from ESPN suggested Barcelona's opening bid was closer to €50m and that Rodri has already agreed personal terms with the club.
How did the Rodri saga develop?
City had already rejected Barcelona's opening bid for Rodri earlier this month, a move that came after Real Madrid's pursuit of the Spain captain collapsed once he made clear his preference. Before that, City had been bracing for a formal offer from Real Madrid, who at one stage were considered the frontrunners, while Inter Milan, Juventus and Brentford were also linked with the midfielder over the summer, according to our earlier reporting on interest from Real Madrid and other suitors.
City's valuation of Rodri appears to vary depending on the source. ESPN reported the club wants more than €70m (£60m), while TeamTalk's sources put the asking price as high as €80m (£68m). Both outlets, along with Sky Sports, note that Rodri has now entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad, a factor that could influence how firm City remain in negotiations.
What happens next in the Rodri negotiations?
Barcelona are expected to return with another offer in the coming days as the two clubs continue talking, according to Sky Sports. ESPN's reporting broadly agrees, stating that Barcelona intend to press on with talks over the next few days in an attempt to finalise a deal before City's valuation and Barcelona's budget can be reconciled.
What other moves are in the pipeline at Manchester City?
Netherlands midfielder Tijjani Reijnders, 28, looks set to depart the Etihad for Al-Qadsiah in a deal reported by the Times to be worth £52m, ending his time in Manchester.
Which other Premier League clubs are active?
Tottenham defender Djed Spence, 26, is due to undergo a medical in Italy on Friday ahead of a move to Inter Milan worth an initial 30m euros (£25.6m) plus 5m euros in potential add-ons, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. Arsenal's interest in Atletico Madrid's Spain defender Marc Pubill, 23, has been rebuffed, with the Spanish club telling the Gunners the 23-year-old is not for sale, as reported by AS.
Napoli are said to be weighing up the future of Italy striker Lorenzo Lucca, 25, before opening talks with Arsenal about a move for Brazil striker Gabriel Jesus, 29, according to Corriere dello Sport. Meanwhile, Ipswich Town have had a 20m euro (£17m) bid rejected by Bayer Leverkusen for Argentina midfielder Exequiel Palacios, 27, per Sky Sports Germany, though the Suffolk club remain determined to sign Freiburg striker Derry Scherhant, 23, this summer according to TeamTalk.
What is happening elsewhere in the Championship and beyond?
Hull City are closing in on the signing of French midfielder Lucas Gourna-Douath, 23, from Red Bull Salzburg for a fee of 4m euros (£3.4m), according to L'Equipe. The Tigers have also submitted an offer worth more than £15m for Everton's English midfielder Tim Iroegbunam, 23, as reported by TeamTalk.
In Italy, AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim has informed eight players, including England defender Fikayo Tomori, 28, and France forward Christopher Nkunku, 28, that they are surplus to requirements, according to the Mail. Genoa are reportedly interested in taking Republic of Ireland striker Evan Ferguson, 21, on loan from Brighton, per Talksport, while West Ham are said to be confident of agreeing terms with Celtic for Belgium midfielder Arne Engels, 22, according to Football Insider.
Key Facts
- Manchester City have rejected a fresh Barcelona bid for Rodri, with reported figures ranging from roughly £40m to £51m depending on the outlet.
- City are said to be holding out for a fee between £60m and £68m, with Rodri now in the final year of his contract.
- Tijjani Reijnders is set to leave City for Al-Qadsiah in a £52m move.
- Djed Spence is due a medical in Italy ahead of a roughly £25.6m move to Inter Milan.
- Barcelona are expected to table another offer for Rodri in the coming days.
