Barcelona are edging closer to completing one of the biggest deals of the summer transfer window, with Rodri set for a move from Manchester City. Over the last 48 hours, the Catalan club have agreed personal terms with the Spain international after receiving his approval, and the only step left is to find a breakthrough in talks between the two clubs.

For several weeks, Real Madrid had been considered the strong favourites to sign Rodri. They had also reached an agreement on personal terms, but after being unable to strike a deal with Manchester City, Barcelona have stepped in to major effect. If the Catalans do complete the signing, it would be a statement arrival before the start of the new season.

Reports that Rodri has chosen Barcelona ahead of Real Madrid have now been confirmed by the player’s agent in an interview with El Larguero. The 30-year-old has told the Real Madrid hierarchy that he is no longer interested in a move to the Bernabeu, as his intention is to become part of Hansi Flick’s squad.

“Out of respect for Real Madrid, as they have been class, Rodri informed them that his decision is to join Barcelona.”

With Rodri now committed to Barcelona, club-to-club discussions with Manchester City are set to begin. It is expected that an agreement will be reached relatively soon, as the Premier League side know they need to cash in this summer, with the player unwilling to sign an extension to his current contract, which runs until 2027.

There is little doubt that Rodri would be an outstanding signing for Barcelona. Midfield was not an area the club had planned to strengthen this summer, even with Marc Casado likely to leave, but when a market opportunity of this nature presents itself, it becomes very difficult to ignore.