Real Madrid are eyeing a Premier League star as a replacement for Toni Kroos and could engineer a stunning swap deal to make it happen.
Real have strengthened ahead of the new season by signing Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Franco Mastantuono and Alvaro Carreras this summer.
Xabi Alonso is also set to trim his squad, with Rodrygo heavily linked with a move away from the Bernabeu.
Rodrygo is attracting plenty of interest, but one of his suitors have dropped out of the race to sign the Brazilian forward.
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Manchester City are believed to be keeping tabs on his situation ahead of potentially recruiting him ahead of the 2025/26 season, having already splashed the cash this summer.
With Jack Grealish's future seemingly lying away from the Etihad, Pep Guardiola is lining up a replacement, with Rodrygo thought to be on his transfer wish-list.
Guardiola could get his man if a swap deal comes to fruition.
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According to Spanish outlet AS, Real are 'closely monitoring' Rodri, who is on their radar as they look to replace Kroos, who retired last year.
Per the report, the La Liga giants have the 'financial capacity' to make another big signing this summer, even more so if Rodrygo leaves. His sale could generate a whopping fee between £69 million and £87 million.
Rodri, meanwhile, is contracted at Man City until 2027 and has yet to renew.
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AS reference his age, comparing him to Zinedine Zidane, who arrived at Real, aged 29 - the same age as the Blues midfielder.
Rodri has been a hugely influential figure under Guardiola's set-up.
He has made 265 appearances across all competitions and returned to action in May after suffering a serious knee injury that ruled him out for eight months.
Rodri has helped Man City to four Premier League triumphs and claimed the 2024 Ballon d'Or, beating Vinicius Jr and Jude Bellingham to the coveted individual prize.
Who else is on Real Madrid's radar to replace Toni Kroos?
Rodri isn't the only name on Real's radar.
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Several names are on the table, according to AS, who claim Nicolo Barella, Enzo Fernandez and Alexis Mac Allister are also being considered.
However, the trio have long-term contracts and are crucial to their teams.
Per the report, Chelsea's Fernandez and Liverpool's Mac Allister would command 'three-figure' deals, so a move is unlikely.
Topics: Real Madrid, Premier League, Rodri, Football, Rodrygo
Nasir Jabbar