Barcelona step up Rodri pursuit with fresh bid submitted to Manchester City

Barcelona have stepped up their efforts to sign Rodri from Manchester City after submitting an improved offer for the Spanish midfielder.

The Catalan club’s latest bid is reportedly worth around €60 million (£51 million), following the rejection of their initial €45 million proposal. Rodri has emerged as a priority target for Barcelona as they look to strengthen their midfield. The 30-year-old is understood to be attracted by the possibility of returning to Spain and joining Barcelona, while the Catalan club are pushing to reach an agreement with City.

Manchester City, however, are believed to value Rodri at around €80 million, meaning there is still a gap between the two clubs’ valuations. City’s stance could prove decisive, although the fact that Barcelona have now submitted a second bid indicates that negotiations are moving forward.

The situation is also being closely monitored at the Etihad, with City reportedly identifying Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández as a potential replacement should Rodri leave this summer. The Argentine could be reunited with Enzo Maresca if the Blues are open to reducing their asking price of £120 million.

This will be a major statement from Barcelona as Rodri's experience, positional intelligence and ability to control the tempo from deep would provide Hansi Flick’s midfield with an elite defensive and playmaking presence.

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