Real Madrid are preparing a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri after identifying the Spain captain as a key summer target, according to L’Équipe.
The 30-year-old Ballon d’Or winner has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, placing Manchester City under pressure to sell this window or risk losing the influential defensive midfielder on a free transfer next summer.
Real Madrid have monitored Rodri since 2024 but were previously deterred by City’s asking price of approximately €100 million. With the player now having just 12 months remaining on his deal, the La Liga club believe they can negotiate a significantly reduced fee for the former Atlético Madrid player.
Rodri is understood to be open to leaving Manchester City and is keen on a return to the Spanish capital. Despite his previous spell with Atlético Madrid, the midfielder would be willing to cross the city divide to join Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants have already completed several signings this summer, yet they view Rodri as the ideal candidate to strengthen their engine room. His potential arrival would add the reigning Ballon d’Or winner to their squad as they prepare for the upcoming campaign.
For Manchester City, the situation presents a difficult dilemma. The club must now weigh the financial benefit of accepting a lower fee for their midfield anchor against the sporting cost of losing one of their most important players without adequate time to secure a replacement.
Real Madrid are confident that Rodri’s contractual status gives them leverage in negotiations. The midfielder began his professional career in Madrid with Atlético before moving to England, and a return to La Liga would bring him back to the city where he established himself as a top-tier player.
The coming weeks will prove crucial in determining whether Madrid can secure the deal at a cut-price rate, or whether City will hold firm on their valuation despite the threat of losing the player for nothing in 2026.