Real Madrid have opened formal talks with City over a move for Rodri, with personal terms already agreed between the club and the player.
According to Matteo Moretto, Real Madrid have reached a full agreement with Rodri on a contract, removing one of the main uncertainties around the deal.
Fabrizio Romano reports that verbal talks between the two clubs are now under way, with Florentino Pérez having personally approved the approach following Rodri’s performances for Spain at the World Cup, where he captained the side to the trophy and won the tournament’s Golden Ball.
The clubs remain apart on fee. City are said to be holding out for a figure between €60m and €80m, while Madrid’s opening offer is understood to sit closer to €50m-€55m. Marca describes the gap as narrowing rather than settled, with further talks expected in the coming days.
One complication has emerged on Madrid’s side.
According to Goal, the club may not yet have squad space to accommodate Rodri, with Raúl Asencio, Franco Mastantuono and Gonzalo García all mentioned as players who could need to leave first.
None of those moves has been finalised, and Mastantuono is said to want a return to River Plate rather than a move elsewhere, which could complicate Madrid’s timeline.
Rodri’s situation is further complicated by his recovery from back surgery this week, with no firm return date yet set — a factor that may influence how quickly any transfer can be structured.
City’s business this window can be followed on our Man City summer transfer tracker, updated as deals develop.
