Manchester City are stepping up their efforts to lock down Rodri with a new contract, determined to shut the door on any potential move to Real Madrid for the player widely regarded as the world's best defensive midfielder.

Club officials have been in discussions with the 29-year-old for weeks and are now ready to accelerate negotiations to secure his long-term future at the Etihad Stadium. While rumors have swirled linking the Spanish international to the Bernabeu, Real Madrid have not made any formal contact with City or submitted an official bid—a key detail that suggests Rodri is far closer to signing an extension than leaving.

With his current deal approaching its final year, City are keen to avoid the dangerous scenario of their most influential player entering the last 12 months of his contract while the allure of Madrid grows stronger. Rodri himself added fuel to the speculation earlier this season when he admitted, "You can't turn down the best clubs in the world," and expressed a desire to return to La Liga before retiring.

Pep Guardiola has been crystal clear about his intentions, repeatedly calling Rodri "the best midfielder in the world" and insisting he must stay as long as possible. With John Stones and Bernardo Silva both expected to depart this summer, keeping Rodri would provide a vital anchor of stability for Guardiola to rebuild around.

The big question remains: will Rodri, clearly torn between his love for English football and his pull toward home, ultimately put pen to paper? City are confident he will. Madrid are hoping he won't.