Manchester City Circle Rodrygo As Top Transfer Target For Attack

Manchester City are ready to pursue Brazilian forward Rodrygo if Savinho completes his expected move to Tottenham Hotspur. City have made Rodrygo their main target to strengthen their attack after other options were ruled out internally.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Manchester City are preparing for major changes in their attack this summer. Jack Grealish is on loan at Everton, and James McAtee is close to joining Nottingham Forest. The biggest change could come if Savinho makes the switch to Tottenham. After scoring 11 goals and assisting six times last season, Savinho is expected to move to north London as Spurs prepare another offer, leaving City to focus on Rodrygo. The Madrid star has struggled for minutes under Xabi Alonso at the Santiago Bernabeu, and City are reportedly ready to pay €80 million (£67m/$86m) plus €20m (£17m/$22m) in add-ons for Rodrygo, essentially matching Madrid’s minimum asking price. There has been no formal bid yet, but City are already preparing the ground to sign the forward. Interestingly, Rodrygo remains committed to his career in European football and will not be joining Al Nassr this summer, further solidifying City’s interest in him according to reports.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Should Rodrygo join City, he would do so as one of the most exciting forwards in Europe. Last season for Real Madrid, the forward scored 16 goals and assisted eight times in all competitions. However, under new leadership at Real Madrid, Rodrygo has had a difficult time cementing his starting position, and his future in Madrid is currently uncertain as discussions regarding his role are set to begin soon. City are currently leaders in the Premier League, after winning their first match in a 0-4 visit to Wolves. The club previously considered many alternatives, including Monaco’s Akliouche and PSG’s Xavi Simons, but are now solely focused on Rodrygo. Insiders believe City’s decision to chase Rodrygo is driven by their regret over losing attackers Julian Alvarez and Cole Palmer in the last 12 months.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Manchester City play Tottenham next in the Premier League. Tottenham also won their 1st match, beating newly-promoted Burnley 3-0. Both teams will aim to find early momentum while in pursuit of the title. City will aim to replace departing stars with a new signing, and Rodrygo could potentially make his debut before the end of August if the deal goes through. As both clubs prepare for their respective league matches, City and Madrid will negotiate Rodrygo’s future over the next few days. Real Madrid face Osasuna next in La Liga, and Madrid, who finished 2nd last season, will want to rebuild the squad and aim for better results after Luka Modrić’s departure.