Barcelona have submitted a higher offer worth approximately €60m (£51m) to Manchester City for Rodri.
The revised proposal comes after City immediately turned down Barça’s opening bid of €45m. The latest figure is closer to the English club’s assessment of the 30-year-old, who led Spain to World Cup success and claimed the Ballon d’Or in 2024.
With the midfielder indicating that Barcelona is his preferred destination, his departure appears increasingly likely. City are considering Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández as a possible replacement, although the London club’s reported £120m asking price could prove prohibitive.
Chelsea are believed to be standing firm on that valuation, meaning any agreement could involve performance-related bonuses. Enzo Maresca remains an admirer of Fernández after coaching him at Chelsea for 18 months before leaving his position in January.
The 25-year-old played an important role in Maresca’s side, which secured fourth place and lifted the Europa Conference trophy in the 2024-25 campaign before winning the Fifa Club World Cup the following summer.
Should City recruit Fernández, who helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup, they may allow another midfielder to leave, with Tijjani Reijnders among the possible departures.
With Rodri pushing for a switch to Barcelona, signing Chelsea captain Fernández would bring experience and leadership to City, while his aggressive playing style could give their midfield an additional competitive edge.
City have already brought in Elliott Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116m and are nearing an agreement to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille for about £85m.
Chelsea have reportedly made contact regarding Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott, who could replace Fernández if the Argentine leaves.
City confirmed on Wednesday that Gerónimo Rulli had joined on a two-year contract following James Trafford’s transfer to Leeds. The Argentina goalkeeper previously spent time with the club during the 2016-17 season.
The 35-year-old said his immediate priorities were to work hard in training, become familiar with his new teammates and staff, and contribute in every way possible.
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