Barcelona explore move for Real Madrid priority target as midfielder intrigued by Flick’s project

Barcelona explore move for Real Madrid priority target as midfielder intrigued by Flick’s project Barcelona have had a decent summer transfer window so far, completing the signings of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United and Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund. The club have also signed talented 18-year-old Belgian winger Jesse Bisiwu from Club Brugge as a developmental bet for the future. Meanwhile, the club continue to be focused on signing Julian Alvarez from Atletico Madrid as their striker replacement for Robert Lewandowski. One other player Barça have been linked with in the past few days is Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who is also on Real Madrid’s radar. Frenkie de Jong’s MCL tear looks set to keep him out for a significant period, and this has prompted the Catalan club to consider a midfield signing this summer. Barcelona studying a potential deal Now, according to The Athletic , the Blaugrana are assessing the feasibility of a move, although Real Madrid remain firmly in the picture for the Spain international. Barcelona move for Rodri. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) For now, the Catalan club are actively exploring the conditions required to sign Rodri, having made contact with his entourage. While no formal agreement has been reached, the Catalan giants are monitoring the situation closely as they weigh up one of the biggest opportunities of the summer. One of the most encouraging aspects for Barcelona is the player’s reported stance. Rodri is understood to be attracted by the sporting project at Camp Nou, particularly because of the team’s playing style and the dressing-room environment under Hansi Flick. Many of the players in the Barça dressing room are his team-mates at international level, making him an excellent fit. That does not necessarily mean a transfer is imminent, but it does indicate that Barcelona would have a genuine chance if they can make the financial side of the operation work. Real Madrid remain serious contenders Barcelona are not alone in the race. Madrid continue to pursue Rodri and remain one of the strongest candidates for his signature. Barcelona appeals to Rodri. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images) Los Blancos have been working on the deal for weeks, with Jose Mourinho viewing the Manchester City star as the ideal player to elevate his midfield. The problem for Barcelona is making the financial side of the deal work. Barça have been working through a difficult financial landscape in recent seasons, and it is only this summer that the club have been able to loosen their purse strings a bit. With regards to Rodri, it would not just be down to the fee they pay Manchester City but also the salary that the Ballon d’Or winner could ask for. As things stand, Spain’s two biggest clubs look set to battle it out for one of Spain’s best players, and the next few weeks could see this turn into a very interesting saga.