Maresca downplays Rodri exit talk as Real Madrid push for deal

Enzo Maresca says talk of Rodri leaving City is “just speculation” — but the figures being reported suggest talks are further along than that.

Asked about his captain’s future at a pre-season press conference, the City boss gave a short answer before moving on to fitness updates. “It’s just speculation at this moment,” he said.

City have reportedly set a €75m asking price for the Spanish World Cup-winning captain. Real Madrid are said to be working toward a fee in the €50-65m range, with the two clubs in direct talks. Reports in Spain though claim contract terms between Rodri and Real have already been broadly agreed.

City are pressing on with a separate deal for Lille’s Ayyoub Bouaddi regardless of how the Rodri situation ends. Personal terms are said to be in place, with the fee — expected to be north of €85m — still to be settled. City see the 18-year-old as Rodri’s long-term replacement in midfield.

Rodri has also missed the whole of pre-season after minor back surgery. City are targeting a return in time for the August 23 Bournemouth opener at the Etihad, though that timeline is understood to be tight.

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