City's €82m price tag stalls Rodri move as rivals eye replacements
Manchester City rejected FC Barcelona's second €60 million offer for midfielder Rodri on Thursday, insisting the Spanish captain is worth at least €82 million; the club also accelerated the sale of Tijjani Reijnders to Al Qadsiah for €120 million to fund the signing of Enzo Fernández, while Manchester United entered the race for PSG youngster Ibrahim Mbaye and Arsenal heard Victor Osimhen’s name in talks linked to Gabriel Martinelli and Galatasaray.
Rodri’s valuation and Barcelona’s bid
Barcelona’s latest proposal for Rodri hovered around €60 million, but City deemed the fee far below the player’s market value and set a minimum price of €82 million, despite interest from Real Madrid.
Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner and World Cup best‑player award recipient, underwent back surgery after the tournament and is scheduled to rejoin City’s training on Friday 14.
City funds Enzo Fernández via Reijnders sale
To clear the way for Argentine Enzo Fernández, who currently plays for Chelsea and previously worked with coach Enzo Maresca, City offered Al Qadsiah €120 million for Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders. The move follows a request from the City hierarchy, as reported by journalist César Luis Merlo, and aligns with the deadline set by Chelsea for a formal proposal.
Reijnders arrived at the Etihad Stadium a year ago for a £46.5 million fee but lost playing time after the arrival of Elliot Anderson. Nottingham Forest also showed interest, but City’s offer to Al Qadsiah was the first formal bid.
United and Arsenal chase emerging talents
Manchester United, led by Michael Carrick, have contacted Paris Saint‑Germain to gauge the availability of 18‑year‑old Senegalese striker Ibrahim Mbaye, whom PSG value at about €50 million and roughly 300 million reais. Mbaye’s contract runs until 2028, giving PSG flexibility in negotiations, and United view him as a versatile option for the left flank.
Arsenal’s negotiations with Galatasaray over Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli have taken a new turn after the Turkish club submitted a £38.4 million offer and expressed interest in Ethan Nwaneri. During these talks, the name Victor Osimhen surfaced, suggesting a possible move should Martinelli depart, as reported by The Telegraph.
The original Portuguese report uses the term “Transferências” and even includes the word “Em” as a heading, while the shorthand “Fern” appears in reference to Enzo Fernández.
City’s firm price tag means Rodri is likely to stay in Manchester unless Barcelona raises its offer substantially, while the Reijnders sale should unlock the funds needed for Fernández. United’s pursuit of Mbaye could add a dynamic attacker to their squad, and Arsenal’s interest in Osimhen signals a potential reshaping of their forward line if Martinelli’s transfer proceeds.