Man City star rejects new contract offers

Manchester City face Italian side Inter Milan on August 1, in their first pre-season friendly of the summer. 

Enzo Maresca will see his side in action competitively for the first time when they face Premier League champions Arsenal in the Community Shield at Wembley on August 6, before they host Bournemouth in their first game of the new league season.

Ahead of their match against Serie A champions Inter, however, it has emerged that the future of one of City’s most influential players is in serious doubt.

As per Football Insider, midfielder Rodri has rebuffed City’s attempts to agree a new contract this summer.

Rodri – who won the Golden Ball after helping Spain to win the World Cup in North America this summer – has been on the radar of La Liga side Real Madrid.

The central midfielder joined City from Spanish side Atletico Madrid back in 2019 and has since made 298 appearances for the club across all competitions, establishing himself not only as a key player for City, but also as one of the best in Europe in his position.

Rodri played a key role for Spain at the World Cup (Photo: Aflo. Co. Ltd/Alamy)

In 2024 the Spain international won the coveted Ballon d’Or, having helped the Citizens to win a Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup trouble 12 months earlier.

Rodri’s current contract with Manchester City is set to run until the end of the upcoming campaign, but the report claims Real Madrid have accelerated their efforts to land the midfielder before the end of the current transfer window.

While City are keen to tie Rodri down to a new long-term deal, the report suggests that he has opened the door to a potential move to the Spanish capital and Real are working hard to agree a deal.

Bernardo Silva and John Stones have already left City since the end of last season, along with manager Pep Guardiola.