Barcelona 'considering summer move for Manchester City's Rodri'

Barcelona are reportedly considering a move for Manchester City midfielder Rodri during this summer's transfer window.

The Catalan giants could lose Sergio Busquets on a free transfer this summer, with the former Spain captain's contract at Camp Nou due to expire at the end of June.

Busquets is yet to make a final decision on his future, but the experienced midfielder is believed to have a number of offers from teams in the MLS and Saudi Arabia.

Barcelona are well-stocked in central midfield with Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Pablo Torre, Gavi and Franck Kessie all options, but they do not have a natural replacement for Busquets.

According to Football Insider, the Catalan outfit are keen on Rodri and would be prepared to pay £80m to land the 26-year-old during the upcoming transfer window.

© Reuters

The report claims that the midfielder would be open to discussing a switch to Camp Nou despite being happy with his current situation at the Etihad Stadium.

Rodri spent time with Atletico Madrid during his youth career before arriving at Villarreal in 2013, progressing through the age groups before debuting for the first team in 2015.

The midfielder went on to make 84 appearances for Villarreal before joining Atletico, starring for the club during the 2018-19 campaign, making 47 appearances in all competitions.

Rodri is currently in his fourth campaign at Man City, and he has been a vital player for the Citizens since his arrival, making 185 appearances, scoring 15 goals and contributing 14 assists.

© Reuters

The Spaniard has won two Premier League titles, two EFL Cups and the Community Shield during his time at the Etihad Stadium, in addition to finishing runners-up in the 2020-21 Champions League.

Barcelona are also being linked with a move for Ilkay Gundogan, with the experienced midfielder's contract at Man City due to expire at the end of June.

Bernardo Silva's future continues to be called into question, meanwhile, and a recent report claimed that there could be a midfield overhaul during the summer market.

West Ham United captain Declan Rice is said to be back on Man City's radar, while the club also continue to be linked with Borussia Dortmund's Jude Bellingham.

Man City will be bidding to return to winning ways following Saturday's 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest when they head to RB Leipzig for the first leg of their last-16 Champions League affair on Wednesday.