Manchester City submit formal contract offer to Rodri amid Real Madrid interest | OneFootball

Rodri has now received a formal contract offer from Manchester City amid ongoing links to Spanish giants Real Madrid, according to new reports.

The 29-year-old remains the undisputed heartbeat of Pep Guardiola’s side, in a status cemented by his pivotal role in Manchester City’s recent 2-0 Carabao Cup Final victory over Arsenal at Wembley.

However, despite his current deal running until the summer of 2027, the relentless interest from the Bernabéu has forced the Etihad Stadium’s hierarchy into an early defensive play to secure the long-term future of their midfield general.

Recent weeks have seen a shift in the narrative, with reports in Spain suggesting the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner is eyeing a move back to his home country, and could be tempted by the project under Alvaro Arbeloa in the Spanish capital.

With Sporting Director Hugo Viana now leading Manchester City’s internal negotiations, the club is determined to present a package that reflects Rodri’s standing as arguably the best defensive midfielder in world football.

What is on the table at Man City for Rodri?

According to new information from Fabrizio Romano, Rodri has already received a new contract proposal from Manchester City, with club officials prepared to give him an ‘important’ salary.

It is explained that even if the Ballon d’Or winner was to reject a new contract, those at Manchester City would still ask for a ‘big fee’ this summer with Real Madrid confirmed as an interested party.

For now, the decision amid a new City contract and Los Blancos interest remains up to the defensive midfielder himself, with his family said to be involved too.

What could happen if Rodri rejects the offer?

Should Rodri opt for a return to the Spanish capital, City may be prepared to demand a world-record fee for a midfielder, regardless of the player’s contractual situation and talk of concern over his fitness after the 2024 knee injury.

The club’s “big fee” stance is bolstered by the player’s peak age and his unique tactical indispensability, though the involvement of his family in the decision-making process suggests that personal lifestyle factors may carry weight.

As the April schedule intensifies – starting with the FA Cup Quarter-Final against Liverpool – Manchester City fans will be watching closely for any sign of a breakthrough in talks.

For now, the ball is firmly in Rodri’s court, with the club already scouting potential midfield recruits regardless of the Spaniard’s future including Elliot Anderson, who may be viewed as a successor to Bernardo Silva – who is expected to leave at the end of his contract in June.