Spanish midfielder and World Cup winner Rodri has been at the heart of the summer transfer window, with links to Real Madrid being established over a month ago.
TalkSPORT journalists Alex Crook and Ben Jacobs have now reported that Barcelona are working to steal him away from their rivals, who have been slow to complete the deal for the 30-year-old, with talks underway.
The Ballon d’Or winner is reportedly still making up his mind before the new campaign kicks off and transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed on Thursday morning that the decision is down to him entirely.
“The decision will be completely up to Rodri, as Real Madrid and Barcelona both ready to pay similar transfer fee to City.
“Rodri has been in negotiations with Real Madrid for weeks as priority but Barcelona positioned themselves as well while Madrid deal isn’t done yet.”
Despite such rumours, City manager Enzo Maresca has remained calm about the future of his key midfielder.
"We have to say that around big players there are always speculation. I'm not worried about that, it's normal," Maresca said.
"They won the World Cup and he was one of the best players. Every manager wants to have Rodri, but now surgery. He needs to rest and recover, and then he will be back here with us."
Rodri has spoken favourably about Real Madrid in the past, but with Barcelona pushing ahead, he has a huge choice to make as the season approaches.