Manchester City usually move quickly in tying down their key players to long contracts, with Joao Cancelo being the latest player to lock in his long term future at the club. With players like John Stones, Ruben Dias, Ederson and Cancelo signing extensions in the last few months, City have now turned their attention to their central midfield, with reports that Rodri is the next in line for a long term contract.
Rodri, who was signed as the club's long term defensive midfield option in the summer of 2019, still has 2 years left to run on his contract – but according to Mike McGrath of The Telegraph, City are keen to extend his stay beyond the period stipulated in his current contract.
The Spanish international has asserted himself as one of the first names on Pep Guardiola's team sheet with his consistent performances and is now widely considered one of the best holding midfielders in Europe.
Fernandinho is still going strong despite being set to turn 37 in May and is yet to announce his plans beyond this season. The Brazilian's contract expires at the end of this season, and it is unclear if he will continue to play for the Blues beyond this season.
McGrath hasn't ruled out another extension at City for the player, and there have also been suggestions that the captain could join Guardiola's coaching staff. Last week, Sam Lee of The Athletic revealed Fernandinho feels like he still has plenty to offer on the playing field.
Irrespective of what develops at the end of the Fernandinho story, City are reportedly assessing the market for an eventual successor.
Aurelien Tchouameni has been earmarked by McGrath as a potential option, with the Monaco midfielder said to be admired by the Premier League champions among other clubs. The 22-year-old's price is expected to be extremely steep, and with Erling Haaland the club's top priority in the coming window, the France international is likely to be an afterthought.
Written by: @adwitya16
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