What happened: Real Madrid have made the midfield their priority this summer after strengthening the back line and adding Bernardo Silva for creativity in the final third. The club still want a controller who can dictate tempo from deep, and Manchester City's Rodri is the name they have been linked with longest.

Why it matters: According to Fabrizio Romano, Rodri has yet to agree fresh terms with City, leaving the Spain captain's future unresolved with his contract running only to 2027. That timeline gives Madrid a window to push for a deal this summer or wait for a potential free transfer next year, while City risk losing a pillar of their midfield.

What to watch: Watch whether Madrid firm up concrete interest in Rodri or lean toward alternatives, with Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez and West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes also admired at Valdebebas.