Manchester City Plot £86m Swoop for Real Madrid Star Rodrygo Amid Attack Overhaul

Aug 11, 2025 2 min read
Manchester City Plot £86m Swoop for Real Madrid Star Rodrygo Amid Attack Overhaul

Manchester City are weighing up a summer swoop for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo as Pep Guardiola prepares for a shake-up in his forward options before the transfer window closes.

With several attacking players expected to leave in the coming weeks, the City boss is looking at potential high-profile additions — and Rodrygo has emerged as a “dream” target.

Key Departures on the Horizon

Jack Grealish is close to sealing a loan switch to Everton, a move that could be completed before the Premier League’s opening weekend. James McAtee is also nearing the exit door, with a £20 million transfer to Nottingham Forest in the works following his impressive performances as England’s U21 captain at the European Championships.

There is also uncertainty over 21-year-old winger Savinho, who is attracting interest from Tottenham. Spurs are believed to have made an approach worth around £50m, but City are reluctant to sell unless a much higher bid is made.

Rodrygo: A Big-Name Target

According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Rodrygo is firmly on City’s radar. The 24-year-old Brazilian forward, who has played a key role for Real Madrid in recent seasons, could leave the Santiago Bernabéu if he decides to seek a new challenge.

Real Madrid are said to value him at around £86.6 million, and while that figure is steep, Guardiola is reportedly a huge admirer of the player’s versatility and attacking flair.

City are not alone in their interest — Arsenal have also been linked, with Mikel Arteta looking to strengthen the left side of his attack ahead of their own title push.

City’s Summer Business So Far

Despite the possible departures, Manchester City have already been active in the market. Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rayan Cherki, and Marcus Bettinelli all joined before the Club World Cup in June. Since then, goalkeeper James Trafford has re-signed, while highly rated Norwegian teenager Sverre Nypan has also made the move to the Etihad.

What Rodrygo Could Bring to Guardiola’s Squad

Rodrygo’s arrival would give City another versatile attacker capable of operating across the front line. His pace, dribbling, and ability to deliver in big games could help fill the creative gap left by Grealish and add further depth to Guardiola’s already formidable options.

With the transfer deadline approaching, City face a decision — push hard for Rodrygo now or risk losing him to a Premier League rival.

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