Man City’s Guardiola keen on £126m deal for Real Madrid star with three La Liga goals this season

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is reportedly eyeing Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward, Rodrygo, as a major transfer target amid growing uncertainty around the 23-year-old’s future at the Bernabeu, Soccernet.football reports.

Guardiola, renowned for assembling squads of remarkable depth and quality, appears keen to reinforce his attacking options, with Rodrygo now on his radar.

According to Spanish outlet Fichajes, City could offer as much as £126 million (€150 million) to secure Rodrygo’s services, as Guardiola looks to strengthen a side already packed with elite wingers, including £100 million star Jack Grealish.

Despite this depth, Guardiola has identified the wide-forward role as an area he wants to bolster, believing Rodrygo could provide an added edge.

Rodrygo’s role at Real Madrid has faced speculation since the club’s pursuit of Kylian Mbappe over the summer.

Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has been criticised for struggling to fit all his key attacking players into his lineup. This season, Rodrygo has scored just three La Liga goals across 10 appearances, sparking doubts about his long-term fit with the Spanish giants.

With Vinicius Jr reportedly considering a new contract offer, Real Madrid may be gearing up for an overhaul of their attacking lineup. The club has also been linked with a possible £169 million (€200 million) bid for City’s own star, Erling Haaland, as part of a potential shakeup.

Rodrygo, who joined Real Madrid from Santos in 2019, has tallied an impressive 57 goals and 43 assists in 229 appearances in all competitions.

While the young Brazilian’s future remains uncertain, Guardiola’s interest signals that he could become a key part of City’s plans for another successful title challenge.