Man City given contract warning amid Real Madrid transfer plan

The fact Real Madrid reportedly want Rodri shouldn't come as a surprise. One of the world's best midfielders, and a Spanish international to boot, it would be a surprise if there weren't covetous glances coming from the Bernabeu.

With Martin Zubimendi seemingly poised to opt for a move to Arsenal rather than Real, it would make sense for Real to consider Rodri as a potential alternative as they look to revamp their midfield. According to Madrid-based daily AS, that is what is happening.

The newspaper reports that Real are following the Ballon d'Or winner's contract situation closely, which should certainly set alarm bells ringing at the Etihad. Real have become the masters at signing players at the end of their contracts, as Trent Alexander-Arnold's unveiling this week reminded everyone.

Rodri's current Manchester City contract expires in two years, and now is the point when renewals are usually agreed upon. City only need to ask their Liverpool counterparts how costly the delay in trying Alexander-Arnold has proven to be.

According to those reports, Real could strike next summer if it reaches the point where the 28-year-old has just a year left on his contract, although City will be determined to avoid that and ensure a new deal is agreed quickly.

Those friendly papers in Madrid have often done Real's bidding and there is rarely smoke without fire, just as it felt like no real surprise that Rodri was asked about a potential move to Madrid back in November, just after he had sent the same club into a funk after beating Vinicius Jr to the Ballon d'Or.

Cadena Ser’s El Larguero show asked Rodri about that hypothetical and got an answer that didn't rule it out, although it should perhaps be seen as contract leverage at that