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Barcelona are apparently mulling over a deal for Manchester City midfielder Rodri, and could make their move in the summer transfer window.
Barca’s veteran midfielder Sergio Busquets’ contract at Camp Nou expires at the end of June, meaning the Catalan giants might lose the former Spain captain on a free transfer this summer.
Busquets has not yet made a definitive decision regarding his future, but the veteran midfielder is rumored to receive offers from MLS and Saudi Arabian clubs.
Barcelona’s central midfield possibilities include Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Pablo Torre, Gavi, and Franck Kessie, but they lack a natural replacement for Sergio Busquets.
Barcelona Ready to Pay a Massive Fee to Prise Rodri Away
According to Football Insider, the Catalan club are interested in Rodri and are willing to pay £80 million to get the 26-year-old during the forthcoming transfer window.
Although being content with his current situation at Etihad Stadium, the report indicates that the midfielder would be willing to explore a move to Camp Nou.
Rodri began his youth career with Atletico Madrid before joining Villarreal in 2013, advancing through the age groups before making his debut with the senior squad in 2015.
Before moving to Atletico Madrid, the midfielder made 84 appearances for Villarreal. During the 2018-19 season, he starred for the team, recording 47 games across all competitions.
Rodri is presently in his fourth season with Manchester City, and he has been a pivotal player for the Citizens since his debut, accumulating 185 games, 15 goals, and 14 assists.
Rodri’s Successful Time at Man City
During his time at the Etihad Stadium, the Spaniard has won two Premier League crowns, two EFL Cups, and the Community Shield, in addition to placing second in the 2020-21 Champions League.
Ilkay Gundogan’s contract at Manchester City is set to expire at the end of June, and Barcelona have been linked with a bid for the experienced midfielder.
In the meantime, Bernardo Silva’s future remains uncertain, and a recent report suggested that a midfield revamp could occur during the summer transfer window.
Declan Rice, captain of West Ham United, is reportedly back on Man City’s radar, and the club continues to be connected with Jude Bellingham of Borussia Dortmund.
Wednesday’s opening leg of their last-16 Champions League match against RB Leipzig will be Man City’s opportunity to return to winning ways following Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest.
Following a 2-0 over Cadiz at Camp Nou, Xavi’s Barcelona are now eight points clear of arch rivals Real Madrid and sit at the summit of La Liga.
It was not predicted by many that Barca would be flying this high after the club made several big changes to how it was managed as well as to its first team last summer.
The side are also in contention for European silverware this season, though perhaps it is not the silverware the club would be ideally challenging for. Barca tied 2-2 with Manchester United in the Europa League final 16 last week and will face them away from home this week.
It will be a challenge, but if the Catalan side can overcome their Premier League opponents, then they will be the strong favorites for the secondary European title.
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