Manchester City want a £70 million fee to sell their star Rodri this summer, per The Times.
Barcelona recently submitted an improved bid of £51.3m plus £5m in add-ons to secure the 30-year-old’s services.
But their offer was turned down by City who informed the Catalan club that their proposal was ‘unacceptable’.
It was widely expected that Barcelona’s second bid would be enough to secure a deal for Rodri.
However, City surprised everyone by rejecting their offer, insisting the Blaugrana must pay £70m for a transfer.
It remains to be seen whether Barcelona return with an improved offer or wait to see how the player’s situation develops.
Rodri has been a key first-team player for City over the years, helping them win four Premier League titles and the 2022-23 Champions League.
But the Spaniard has no interest in renewing his current contract that is set to expire in June next year.
The Citizens are looking to sign Enzo Fernandez to replace Rodri, but Chelsea value the Argentine at £120m.
The Blues have also informed their Premier League rivals they will only consider selling Fernandez if their valuation is met before 5pm on Friday.
City have already spent a club-record £116m to sign Elliot Anderson earlier this summer. They are unlikely to meet Chelsea’s asking price and could look to negotiate a lower fee.
Stats from Transfermarkt