Barcelona growing increasingly optimistic about signing World Cup winner

Barcelona growing increasingly optimistic about signing World Cup winner Barcelona are currently involved in two of the most talked about transfer sagas in European football right now in Rodri and Julian Alvarez. Rodri, in particular, has generated a lot of buzz in recent days after the midfielder chose to join Barcelona ahead of a move to Real Madrid. Barcelona, though, must reach an agreement with Manchester City if they are to get their hands on the Spanish World Cup winner. Optimism in the Barcelona camp Rodri is keen on joining Barcelona. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images) According to Diario SPORT , there is total optimism within Barcelona regarding their chances of signing Rodri, with the club now treating the midfielder as their absolute priority. The Catalans have already presented an improved offer to Manchester City, having realised their initial proposal of €45 million plus €5 million in variables fell well short of the English club’s demands. The report cites sources within the club insist they are on the right track, with one claiming the most difficult steps have already been taken and that it is now simply a case of finishing the job. The most significant of those steps, in Barcelona’s eyes, has been securing the player’s desire to join. Rodri is understood to have already informed City directly that he wants to move to Barcelona, a crucial development that the club insist eliminates the risk of any late change of heart or rival hijack. The hard part remains Barcelona are not underestimating Man City’s negotiating position. (Photo by Annabel Lee-Ellis/Getty Images) Despite the confidence, Barcelona are under no illusions about the challenge that lies ahead. Rodri still belongs to City, and the Premier League champions hold the final say on any fee. Barcelona are aware they cannot underestimate City’s negotiating position, particularly given the initial bid never stood a realistic chance of getting the deal done. The next offer is expected to move considerably closer to City’s valuation, and Barcelona accept they will have to make a significant financial effort to turn their current optimism into a concrete agreement. Still, the belief internally is that Rodri’s determination to join will ultimately help bridge the gap. For now, then, Barcelona wait, hopeful that one of the summer’s most ambitious operations can be completed.