Manchester City have turned down a £55m offer from Barcelona for midfielder Rodri, with the Catalan club still pushing to bring the Spain international to Camp Nou.
Barcelona had previously submitted a bid worth about £40m, which City rejected. The Spanish side then returned with an improved proposal, but the Premier League champions have again refused to accept the offer.
City are reportedly looking for more than £60m for the 30-year-old, while Barcelona continue to assess how they can structure a deal that fits within La Liga’s financial regulations.
Rodri has entered the final year of his contract at the Etihad Stadium, but City remain keen to retain him and are hoping to negotiate an extension.
According to Sky Sports, the club have no desire to sell the midfielder but would not prevent his departure if he makes a formal request to leave.
The major stumbling block remains the two clubs’ different valuations. City want an initial guaranteed payment of between €70m and €80m before considering a transfer.
Barcelona, meanwhile, are currently limited by La Liga’s financial fair-play regulations and can offer a package of roughly €65m. A significant portion of their proposal would reportedly come through add-ons, bonuses and other conditional payments rather than an upfront guaranteed fee.
City could potentially lose two key central midfielders this summer as they continue to prepare for possible departures. The club are already examining alternatives, with Chelsea’s Enzo Fernández and Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi among the players being considered.
