Real Madrid move for Man City heavyweight on track; likely to close for €65 million

Real Madrid move for Man City heavyweight on track; likely to close for €65 million According to journalist Rodra of ESPN , Real Madrid’s high-profile pursuit of Manchester City midfielder Rodri is firmly on track, with both clubs currently negotiating a final transfer fee that is expected to settle close to €65 million. Discussions have seemingly progressed smoothly after the 30-year-old Spain international has expressed his desire to return to his home country and successfully reached an agreement on contract terms with the Spanish club. Resolving the transfer valuation gap The direct club-to-club negotiations are approaching a compromise following a period of differing valuations. Manchester City had initially valued their captain at a significantly higher premium, reportedly at around €75 million , despite the defensive anchor entering the final 12 months of his contract at the Etihad Stadium. Real Madrid’s management, led by President Florentino Perez, were aiming to close the transfer fee of around €40-50 million , leveraging the player’s short contract duration. Progress being made. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images) The reported figure of around €65 million represents a middle ground that allows Manchester City to avoid the risk of losing a Ballon d’Or contender on a free transfer next summer. Man City advanced in search for replacement The completion of Rodri’s transfer to Real Madrid is also waiting on Manchester City finalising a replacement to protect their squad depth under manager Enzo Maresca. The Cityzens are currently closing in on a high-value deal to sign Lille’s breakout young midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi. The Premier League champions have already established a verbal agreement on personal terms with the 18-year-old Moroccan international , who starred during the recent World Cup. Personal terms agreed. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) Interestingly, Real Madrid also held an interest in Bouaddi earlier this summer, having watched him at the World Cup. But, the Spanish giants have decided to go for Rodri’s proven pedigree and experience instead. Sale needed While the deal might be on track, Los Blancos must offload at least one player in order to create room for Rodri in their squad. Eduardo Camavinga has largely been tipped as the player most likely to leave, but the French international is determined to stay and prove himself under Jose Mourinho. This could lead to his compatriot Aurelien Tchouameni, a target for Manchester United, becoming a candidate for a departure, despite recently agreeing to a contract renewal.