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

Pep Guardiola has repeatedly described the 29-year-old as "the best midfielder in the world" and has made it clear he wants to keep him at the Etihad for as long as possible. After weeks of preliminary talks, City are now ready to accelerate negotiations and secure his long-term future.

Rodri is approaching the final year of his current deal, and the club are desperate to avoid a scenario where their most crucial player enters the last 12 months of his contract with the lure of the Santiago Bernabéu growing stronger by the day. Real Madrid, for their part, have made no official contact with City—a significant detail that suggests a renewal is far more likely than a departure at this stage.

The Spain international hasn't exactly helped calm the rumours. Earlier in the season, when asked about Real Madrid's interest, he admitted: "You can't turn down the best clubs in the world." He also revealed a desire to return to La Liga before his career ends—a statement that has kept fans on edge.

With John Stones and Bernardo Silva both expected to leave this summer, locking down Rodri would provide Guardiola with a vital anchor of stability and continuity to build around for the seasons ahead. The question now is whether Rodri—torn between his love for English football and his pull toward home—will ultimately put pen to paper. City believe he will. Madrid are banking on the chance he won't.