ไทย
English
中國人
Barcelona are reportedly on the verge of securing a deal to bring midfielder Rodri to the club ahead of his anticipated return to Manchester City training this week.
Having overtaken Real Madrid in the pursuit of the World Cup winner, Barcelona already saw an opening offer of $52 million (£38.5 million) rejected, with City holding firm for a figure closer to $81 million (£60 million).
Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona have yet to reach that figure, but a proposal featuring a base fee of $63.5 million (£47 million) plus add-ons has pushed negotiations between the clubs into their final stages as both sides work out the finer details.
It is suggested the gap in valuation between the two sides could potentially be "bridged by a player from Barcelona's roster." Separate reports have connected City with 19-year-old midfielder Tommy Marqués.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is pressing club officials to finalize a deal as quickly as possible, giving him ample time to integrate the new signing into his revamped squad ahead of the upcoming season.
Maresca: Rodri's Man City Return Date Set
Following Spain's World Cup triumph this summer, Rodri's return to preseason training has been pushed back further than most of his teammates.
He has yet to rejoin City and was absent throughout the entirety of Enzo Maresca's first preseason, which wrapped up this weekend ahead of the Community Shield clash against Arsenal next Sunday, Aug. 16.
Rodri is expected to be available to City in some capacity, with his scheduled return to the club set for two days prior to the match.
"As things stand, he will be in Manchester," Maresca confirmed. "There is no new update. He will be back on Aug. 14."
A swift resolution would serve both clubs well. Barcelona are eager to have as much time as possible to work with Rodri, while City need to accelerate their planning for life without one of their most pivotal players.
Elliot Anderson arrived from Nottingham Forest but, much like Rodri, has not featured in preseason following his involvement in England's run to the third-place playoff this summer. Consequently, Mateo Kovačić, Tijjani Reijnders, and Nico González have shared the midfield duties.
A notable replacement for Rodri is widely anticipated, with speculation continuing to link Maresca with a reunion with Chelsea's Enzo Fernández. The Argentine is himself only just returning to training after his country lost to Rodri's Spain in the World Cup final, and will require additional time to prepare for whichever side he represents this season.