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Rodri captained Spain to its second FIFA World Cup win -Credit:Anadolu, Anadolu via Getty Images
Manchester City's hierarchy will resist all efforts from Real Madrid to secure Rodri's signature this summer.
Spanish powerhouse Real have identified the FIFA World Cup winner as one of their top targets. Rodri has entered the final 12 months of his current contract and has yet to agree on a new deal at the Etihad.
The midfielder's reputation has never been greater, following his outstanding performances with Spain in North America this summer, earning him the Golden Ball award, as per The Mirror.
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-Credit:Nicolò Campo, LightRocket via Getty Images
Real president Florentino Perez is reportedly preparing an opening bid of £80 million ($106.6 million) - and is willing to go as high as £100 million ($133.3 million)for a player who will be available on a free transfer in 12 months' time. However, City chairman Khaldoon Al-Mubarak is expected to stand firm and reject advances from the Spanish capital.
New manager Enzo Maresca has made it abundantly clear he intends to retain Rodri at any cost.
Maresca, who is set to address the media for the first time on Friday since taking over from Pep Guardiola, established this condition when negotiating his contract to become the club's new head coach six months ago.
The Italian is looking to construct his team around Rodri, and considers the defensive midfielder essential in integrating new £116 million ($155.18 million) signing Elliot Anderson into the squad.
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City executives remain optimistic about securing a new contract with Rodri that would cement his long-term future at the club. However, despite all his achievements in Manchester, the 30-year-old still nurses a longstanding ambition to play for Los Blancos before hanging up his cleats.
This means he could opt to run down his contract and walk away from the Etihad for free next summer.
Rodri joined City from Atletico Madrid in 2019 for £62.6 million (around $79 million) and has since established himself as one of the most decorated players in the club's history.
The Spanish midfielder has claimed 13 major trophies, including the Treble in 2023, along with the Ballon d'Or in 2024, pipping Real's Vinicius Junior to the prestigious award.
He is also the frontrunner to claim the individual honor once again in the next cycle.
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