North London Club Arsenal: Manchester City have reportedly rejected Barcelona's opening bid of around £38.5 million for Spain midfielder Rodri, with the Premier League champions valuing the Ballon d'Or winner at more than £60 million as uncertainty continues over his future at the Etihad Stadium.
Rodri has entered the final year of his contract with City and is yet to agree fresh terms, making him one of the most closely watched names in the ongoing transfer window.
According to the BBC, Barcelona have stepped up their pursuit of the 30-year-old after receiving encouragement from the player's camp to begin negotiations, while Real Madrid are no longer considered contenders for his signature. However, the La Liga Champions bid has been rejected by the former Premier League winners.
After an injury-disrupted spell over the past two seasons, the Spanish midfielder returned to top form on the international stage at the FIFA World Cup earlier this year. He was instrumental in Spain's title-winning campaign, controlling matches from midfield with his composure, distribution and defensive work, and was named the tournament's Best Player after helping his side lift the trophy.
Rodri is currently recovering from back surgery performed last month and is expected to rejoin City's squad in Manchester next week as he continues his rehabilitation.
After an injury-disrupted spell over the past two seasons, the Spanish midfielder returned to top form on the international stage at the FIFA World Cup earlier this year. He was instrumental in Spain's title-winning campaign, controlling matches from midfield with his composure, distribution and defensive work, and was named the tournament's Best Player after helping his side lift the trophy.
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The English club have already identified Lille's highly rated 18-year-old Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi as a potential successor, but negotiations remain complicated by the French side's reported asking price of around £86 million, the report added.