Real Madrid linked with Sandro Tonali but another Premier League star is their top target

Manchester City star Rodri has been identified as Real Madrid’s top target this summer, talkSPORT understands.

Los Blancos are preparing for another busy transfer window at the Bernabeu and have their sights on bringing Rodri back to his homeland.

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The LaLiga giants have often raided Premier League clubs for their best players throughout the years, with this summer poised to be no different.

talkSPORT understands that two midfielders are on their radar – City’s Rodri and Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali.

Both men are facing uncertain futures, with Rodri tied down at the Etihad until 2027.

And while Tonali isn’t out of contract at St James’ Park until 2028, he has been heavily linked with a move away from Tyneside.

talKSPORT reported last month how the 25-year-old would welcome a back to his native Italy – just three years after leaving AC Milan.

Valued at between £80m-£100m by the Magpies, he is also on Arsenal’s radar.

It is believed that Madrid scouts were present to watch City‘s FA Cup win over Newcastle on Saturday ahead of their Champions League meeting on Wednesday night.

While Rodri failed to feature in the match, they got a good look at Tonali in the flesh.

Fishing for Rod

But it is four-time Premier League winner Rodri that is Real’s number one target.

Rodri, born and raised in Madrid, spent six years in Atletico’s academy before returning to the Wanda Metropolitano after five years at Villarreal.

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After just one season under Diego Simeone, City came calling in 2019 where they activated his £62.6m release clause.

During his time in England, he has established himself as arguably the world’s best defensive midfielder – scooping 11 major trophies at the Etihad.

He even starred as Spain won Euro 2024 – with his performances seeing him win the Ballon d’Or award later that year.

In doing so, he became the first Spaniard since Luis Suarez in 1960 to lift the prestigious individual honour.

But since suffering a hamstring injury in Spain’s 2-1 European Championship final win over England two years ago, he has been plagued by repeated setbacks.

An ACL he picked up against Arsenal in September 2024 ruled him out for 53 matches for club and country.

And he has endured two separate knee and hamstring knocks this term.

He has missed 18 matches this campaign, restricting him to just 17 Premier League outings.

Though he has featured in each of City’s 11 top-flight games in 2026 with his return to action coinciding with the club kickstarting their title charge.