Real Madrid has set its sights on Manchester City midfielder Rodri as a potential target for a bargain transfer, according to Spanish publication AS. The talented player spent a significant portion of the previous season sidelined due to injuries and has two years left on his existing contract at the Etihad Stadium. In light of this situation, Los Blancos have begun to strategize for a possible move, especially considering their interest in Martin Zubimendi appears to be turning cold. It is believed that if Rodri allows his contract to enter its final year next summer, Madrid will be ready to explore a bid. After all, Manchester City would certainly prefer to receive some compensation rather than losing him for nothing.
The article from AS outlines the transferral dynamics succinctly, noting that the situation around Rodri could become particularly attractive for Madrid soon. The midfielder, who has established himself as a valuable asset on the pitch, is tied to City until 2027. This implies that if next summer arrives and Rodri finds his contract dwindling to just one year left, it could diverge into a crucial decision point for City management, allowing Madrid to swoop in with a more affordable offer while the English club grapples with the possibility of losing the player without compensation.
In another transfer development, AC Milan is reportedly keen on acquiring former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka as part of their effort to rebuild under new manager Massimiliano Allegri. Reports from Calciomercato highlight that following what seems to be an agreement to bring Luka Modric to the club, Allegri is determined to create a formidable midfield pairing that features the exceptional Croatian and the versatile Swiss player, Xhaka, who also boasts a history with Borussia Monchengladbach. Since Allegri’s return to Milan, he has emphasized the necessity for a midfielder who can bring both creativity and stability, characteristics that Xhaka embodies well.
Meanwhile, FC Barcelona is on the verge of finalizing the signing of goalkeeper Joan Garcia from local rivals Espanyol. The Catalan giants have reportedly activated Garcia’s release clause, which was reported by Spanish outlet Sport. With both parties having already agreed to terms, the next step involves the official transfer of funds. Upon the successful completion of this process, Garcia will be welcomed as a Blaugrana player, marking a significant addition to Barcelona’s squad. Sport confirmed that the necessary payment of €25 million was managed by Garcia’s legal representatives at La Liga headquarters, allowing the transition from Espanyol. The finalization of the contract is now subject to the league confirming the transaction and validating the details of this high-profile switch.
In a quite different scenario, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, an English midfielder currently with AC Milan, could soon be reunited with his former Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri at Lazio. Sarri, who worked with Loftus-Cheek during his stint with Chelsea in the 2018-2019 season, is reportedly interested in integrating the midfielder into his plans for Lazio. Gianluca Di Marzio, a transfer expert, relayed that there is a growing attraction for Loftus-Cheek within the Biancocelesti. Given the substantial expected adjustments at Milan under new management, opportunities for Loftus-Cheek could arise, particularly considering Allegri’s view of the player not being an indispensable part of the Rossoneri’s future strategy.
In summary, various clubs across Europe are actively engaging in transfer negotiations during this busy period. Real Madrid is exploring options for Rodri, while AC Milan is eyeing Xhaka as part of its midfield overhaul. Barcelona is primed to secure Garcia from Espanyol, and Lazio is looking to add Loftus-Cheek, presenting an engaging landscape of potential talent swaps and strategic planning for the upcoming seasons in European football.
