Manchester City recently saw a high-profile exit, with Julian Alvarez moving to Atletico Madrid. The Argentine might not always have been a starter in Pep Guardiola's side but he was definitely an important contributor for them. If the club do not replace him, it could have a negative impact in what is expected to be a tight Premier League race, with Arsenal coming close in the last two years. Amid all this, one Real Madrid player has been suggested as a potential replacement.
Rodrygo is someone whose future in the team has been a topic of discussion following the arrival of Kylian Mbappe. The Brazilian has been a key part of Real Madrid's success in recent years, rising to the plate on big occasions, but he is not the most consistent performer.
Rodrygo has runs of form when he looks like one of the best players in the world. But then, he also has stretches of time when he struggles to contribute positively in the final third of the pitch.
The likes of Brahim Diaz and Arda Guler should get more playing time as well this season. So, it will be interesting to see how Carlo Ancelotti manages the minutes of his star-studded squad.
Manchester City hold talks with Real Madrid superstar
As reported by FootballTransfers, Manchester City have been linked with Rodrygo in recent weeks and talks with the Brazilian have indeed taken place. His camp insisted that he was happy at Real Madrid during the contact but were he to eventually leave, a move to the Etihad would appeal to him.
So, for the time being, it looks like Rodrygo's future is in the Spanish capital. We shall see if that changes over the coming months.
We got a hint at Ancelotti's thinking this week. Real Madrid started the UEFA Super Cup against Atalanta with a front three of Mbappe, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior.