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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"matchScheduleId":"bltb15444520f7d565f","competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Zubimendi deal nearly done with Arsenal</li><li>Rodri seen as possible long-term target for Madrid</li><li>Spaniard's contract with Man City ends in 2027</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Real Madrid prepared to wait for Man City star Rodri as Spanish giants hope to snap up midfielder in bargain deal after missing out on Arsenal-bound Martin Zubimendi

<p>According to <a href="https://as.com/futbol/primera/zubimendi-se-escapa-n/" target="_blank"><em>AS</em></a>, Madrid appear to have lost the race for Zubimendi, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-in/lists/martin-zubimendi-set-for-arsenal-medical-transfer-real-sociedad-nears-completion/blt3212aa0cce3b4d98" target="_blank">who is on the verge of joining Arsenal</a>. Despite late efforts to convince the player, the Gunners are relaxed and confident, having agreed to pay his €60 million (£50m/$69m) release clause and offering a significantly higher salary. With the deal nearly finalised, Los Blancos have started exploring alternatives.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>The club is now weighing whether to stick with their current crop, including Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni and Federico Valverde or look at big targets for the future. One standout option is Rodri, but any move would be delayed until 2026, when he enters the final year of his City contract, making a potential deal more affordable.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>The 2024 Ballon d’Or winner has become one of the best players in world football. He played a pivotal role in City’s treble-winning 2022-23 season, scoring the only goal in the Champions League final against Inter. Despite not being a flashy player, his consistency and tactical intelligence have drawn comparisons to legendary midfielders like Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>La Liga giants Madrid are expected to closely monitor Rodri’s situation at City, especially after the 2025 Club World Cup. If the Spaniard doesn't renew his contract by 2026, Madrid could try to secure a cut-price deal.</p>

WHAT NEXT?

Real Madrid prepared to wait for Man City star Rodri as Spanish giants hope to snap up midfielder in bargain deal after missing out on Arsenal-bound Martin Zubimendi | Goal.com

Real Madrid are considering a future move for Man City star Rodri as they miss out on long-term target Martin Zubimendi, who is set to join Arsenal.