Real Madrid continue to eye €120 million Manchester City superstar – Etihad officials working on ‘ASAP’ renewal | OneFootball

Manchester City officials are reportedly working with urgency to renew the contract of Rodri amid growing interest and confidence from Real Madrid over a possible transfer.

Rodri has long been regarded as one of the most indispensable players in Pep Guardiola’s side since arriving from Atlético Madrid in 2019, developing into the most complete holding midfielder in world football – a view shared across Europe.

With recent departures from the Real Madrid squad leaving a leadership and technical vacuum, Los Blancos are now actively assessing top-tier midfield options to support Xabi Alonso’s new-look project.

Rodri, whose ability to dictate tempo, dominate physically, and deliver in the biggest moments – perhaps most notably in the UEFA Champions League final of 2023 – has made him an obvious target for Real Madrid bosses.

City, who are no doubt aware of the growing speculation and Real’s transfer power, are working to reinforce their long-term position, with club executives viewing Rodri as a non-negotiable player in Pep Guardiola’s system.

Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo has offered the latest, as translated and relayed by Sport Witness, explaining that Real Madrid are looking to strengthen midfield after losing Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić in the last 12 months, and feel Rodri is potentially good value compared to other targets.

The City star remains contracted until the summer of 2027, and is reportedly valued at between €100 million and €120 million, while Real Madrid’s chances of securing the midfielder would increase if they sell Rodrygo for around €80 million to €100 million this summer.

As for Manchester City in all of this, it is claimed that Etihad Stadium officials are ‘working on finalising his renewal as soon as possible’, while journalist Antón Meana – writing for Cadena Ser – states Rodri is the only midfielder ‘who can be signed for Xabi Alonso’s project’.

“There’s no indication from Manchester [City] that they’re looking to transfer him, but if Madrid wants a midfielder between now and September 1st, the only one on the market they like is Rodrigo Hernández,” he said.

From City’s perspective, the urgency to act swiftly on a new contract stems not just from interest, but also Rodri’s value to their tactical identity. At 29, Rodri is at his physical and mental peak, capable of shielding the back-line while serving as the metronome and leader.

The club’s midfield picture is already evolving, with Ilkay Gündoğan’s future still uncertain this summer, Mateo Kovacic recovering from an Achilles injury, and while younger players such as Claudio Echeverri and Nico González are being developed, none replicate Rodri’s unique skillset.

The potential for instability in such a key area only increases Manchester City’s resolve to secure his long-term commitment, although for now, there is no indication that Rodri himself is seeking an exit.

But with Real Madrid prepared to act boldly in the transfer market and Manchester City knowing they must hold firm, the coming weeks could be telling. A contract renewal would send a strong message – both to the fanbase and to suitors – that City’s cornerstone is going nowhere.