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MADRID, SPAIN – MARCH 22: Alvaro Arbeloa, Head Coach of Real Madrid, looks on prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Madrid CF and Atletico de Madrid at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 22, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Spanish giants Real Madrid appear ready to make another major move in the transfer market.
In an effort to strengthen their midfield with an experienced and proven star, local outlet Mundo Deportivo has reported that Manchester City’s Rodri is Madrid’s top target.
The report claims it would take a fee of around $114 million to lure the midfielder away from the Premier League club this summer.
Meanwhile, Football Insider’s James Murray states that Pep Guardiola’s side could consider offers in the region of $66 million for the 29-year-old.
Real Madrid Target Rodri as Priority Midfield Signing
Regardless of whether they secure La Liga or Champions League success, Madrid are expected to pursue a statement signing “who will significantly raise the level of the team.”
Rodri brings previous experience in Spain, having played for both Villarreal and Atletico Madrid earlier in his career.
Manchester City activated his £62.6 million ($82.6M) release clause in July 2019, a club record fee at the time.
Across seven seasons in Manchester, Rodri has made 293 appearances, scoring 28 goals. However, an ACL and meniscus injury ruled him out for most of the 2024-25 season, limiting him to just eight appearances.
He has since returned and has made 28 appearances in all competitions during the 2025-26 campaign, scoring two goals.
If the Spanish international proves unattainable, Mundo Deportivo reports that Madrid have identified two alternative options.
One of those options is Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez, who would likely command a fee exceeding $114 million.
“The Argentine international would be a guaranteed signing, as he’s a World Cup winner and has already proven his potential at the highest level,” Mundo Deportivo wrote. “He has a long-term contract, but has openly stated that he wouldn’t mind a change of scenery.”
Enzo Fernandez and Adam Wharton Emerge as Alternative Targets
The other option is Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.
The England international has attracted significant attention over the past two seasons, with the 22-year-old emerging as one of the most promising deep-lying playmakers in Europe.
“The simplest option is undoubtedly Adam Wharton,” the Spanish outlet added. “The English player has already stated his desire to join a Champions League team.”
“His price would be high due to his being the youngest of the group and his immense potential.”
beIN Sports’ Juan Borda has also reported Madrid’s interest in the Englishman, suggesting a valuation of around $114 million.
Borda added that Wharton is eager to leave Palace and “wants to take the next step in his career and join a Champions League club this summer.”
Several of Europe’s top clubs are expected to compete for his signature, placing Madrid among a growing list of potential suitors should he become available.
Currently, Los Blancos sit second in La Liga, four points behind leaders Barcelona as the season enters a decisive stretch.
A Champions League quarter-final clash against Bayern Munich also awaits in the coming weeks.
Matt Evans is a sports journalist from the United Kingdom, based in Paris, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA and wider global sport. More about Matt Evans
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