According to AS, Madrid seems to have lost the race for Zubimendi, who is about to join Arsenal. Despite late efforts to convince the player, the Gunners are serene and confident, having agreed to pay his release clause by 60 million euros and offer him a much higher wage. The agreement being almost finalized, the Merengues began to explore alternatives.
Rodri targeted by Real
The club is now wondering if he has to keep his current team, notably Eduardo Camavonga, Aurélien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde, or consider new targets. Rodri is a possible option, but any transfer would be postponed to 2026, the date on which he will enter his contract with City in the last year, which would make a possible transfer more affordable.
Rodri had changed Vinicius following his Ballon d'Or
The Ballon d'Or 2024 has become one of the best players in world football. He played an essential role in City's hat-trick in the 2022-23 season, scoring the only goal of the Champions League final against Inter. Although he is not a spectacular player, his regularity and his tactical intelligence have earned him comparisons with legendary fields like Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso.
The Madrid club, a liga giant, should closely follow Rodri's situation in City, especially after the 2025 club World Cup. If the Spaniard does not renew his contract by 2026, Madrid could try to obtain a contract at a reduced price.
