Man City suffer transfer blow as Real Madrid respond emphatically to apparent Rodrygo interest following Julian Alvarez departure

Rodrygo is reported by AS to have no desire to leave Real Madrid, even if he is personally contacted by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. The Brazilian is happy with how things are at the Bernabeu and has a long-term contract until 2028. His response is a firm no, which will put City off even makng an approach.

City have been linked with a new forward because of Julian Alvarez's impending £82 million ($104m) transfer to Atletico Madrid, which has also given them money to spend. However, the Premier League champions could also promote from within to directly replace Alavrez and use the windfall to strenthen elsewhere.

Rodrygo has scored four Champions League goals against Manchester City in the last three seasons. His late semi-final second leg brace in 2021-22 forced extra-time that gave Real Madrid the platform to win at City's expense. He then scored once in either quarter-final leg as Real knocked City out in 2023-24. On both occasions, Los Blancos went on to lift the trophy.

City have to decide whether they need to directly replace Alvarez, rather than offer more game time to the likes of James McAtee and Oscar Bobb, and how much they would be willing to spend in the event. Fans might argue that Savinho, recruited from sister club Troyes, will already fill some of the void.