Man City Reject £38.5m Barcelona Bid

Manchester City have rejected an opening bid of £38.5 million from Barcelona for midfielder Rodri, with the club wanting around £68 million for the player. Rodri has one year left on his contract at Manchester City and has been strongly linked with a return to his native Spain.

Manchester City are closing in on signing Ayyoub Bouaddi from Lille, with the midfielder's expected arrival potentially clearing the path for Rodri to join Barcelona. The 18-year-old has agreed personal terms with City, but the club are still finalising the deal with Lille, who value Bouaddi at around £85 million.

Barcelona have since made an improved bid of £55 million for Rodri, but City are holding out for their desired price. The sale of Rodri could be used to finance new signings, with City interested in Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez as a potential replacement. Chelsea value Enzo Fernandez at £120 million.

Manchester City have already signed Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest for £116 million, and the arrival of Bouaddi would further strengthen their midfield. The club are preparing for the new season, with a Community Shield match against Arsenal this Sunday and a Premier League campaign opener against Bournemouth on 23 August.

## What's Next Barcelona are confident of landing Rodri from Manchester City, but will have to return with another improved offer to meet City's valuation. The Spanish club are considering their next move, with the sale of Ferran Torres potentially financing Rodri's purchase. Manchester City are all but resigned to the sale of Rodri, who has been a key player for the club since joining from Atletico Madrid in 2019.