Barcelona ups the ante for Rodri with third offer

Barcelona has presented a third offer to Manchester City for Rodri, according to Mundo Deportivo via journalist Ben Jacobs. The new proposal exceeds £60 million, equivalent to €70 million, a significant jump from previous attempts.

The operation has been hanging in the balance for weeks. The English club rejected an initial offer of €45 million plus add-ons and a second that could have reached €65 million if objectives were met. Reports from England suggest City would consider accepting between €70 and €80 million, the range in which this third Barcelona proposal sits. What plays in the Catalan club's favour is that Rodri has already said 'yes' to Barcelona.

City holding firm

Manchester City is looking to extract maximum value from the operation. Manager Enzo Maresca confirmed on Friday that Rodri reported for training after undergoing a minor back procedure and is in recovery phase. The English side face Arsenal in the Community Shield final on Sunday.

The skyblue strategy is clear: maximize the price of the best player from last year's World Cup to finance the arrival of Enzo Fernández from Chelsea, who is valued at around €140 million. With Reijnders' move to Al Qadsiah for €60 million imminent, the English club's figures would add up with a Rodri sale near the €70-80 million mark.