(foto: Getty Images)
Barcelona have reportedly improved their offer for Rodri to €60m plus bonuses as negotiations with Manchester City enter a decisive stage.
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According to Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona have presented Manchester City with a verbal proposal worth around €60 million plus bonuses. City are currently demanding approximately €80m for the Spanish international.
The two clubs therefore remain around €20m apart, but negotiations are continuing, and Barcelona believe there is room for a compromise. The structure of the bonuses could play an important role in finding an agreement.
Barcelona had already tested City's position last week with an opening proposal reportedly worth between €45m and €50m. Manchester City rejected that offer, prompting the Catalan club to return with improved terms.
According to ESPN, Barcelona have already reached an agreement with Rodri over personal terms, meaning the main obstacle is now the transfer fee between the two clubs.
Barcelona want to move quickly. Coach Hansi Flick reportedly hopes to have Rodri available this week so the midfielder can join his new teammates and begin preparations for the new season.
Despite Barcelona's growing optimism, an agreement has not yet been reached. Manchester City remain in a strong negotiating position and have so far shown little willingness to significantly lower their valuation.
Rodri's potential arrival would give Flick another elite option in an already crowded Barcelona midfield. The Catalans currently have Pedri, Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo and Marc Bernal among their options in the centre of the pitch.
The pursuit of Rodri therefore also raises questions about the future roles of Barcelona's younger midfielders, particularly Bernal.
Barcelona are reportedly preparing an improved contract for the 19-year-old, who has attracted interest from clubs in England, Germany and Italy. Bernal is already contracted until 2030, but Barcelona want to underline that he remains an important part of their long-term plans.
For now, all attention remains on Rodri. Barcelona have significantly increased their offer; the player reportedly wants the move and negotiations remain active. Manchester City's response to the latest proposal could determine whether Barcelona can complete their biggest transfer of the summer.