Barcelona's persistence meets a firm response
Barcelona have tested City's resolve once more, only to be knocked back again. The Catalan club's second bid for Rodri, reportedly worth around €64.5m, has been rejected, according to Ben Jacobs.
The offer was never likely to move the needle. It falls well short of the sort of figure that would give City pause over a midfielder who remains central to their plans under Enzo Maresca.
Rodri remains under contract at City and is expected to be an important part of the squad under new manager Enzo Maresca.
Barcelona have been circling for a while, eyeing the Spain international as they weigh up their midfield options. Their decision to come back with a second proposal suggests they have not given up hope of striking a deal.
What happens next is unclear. There is no indication the clubs have agreed a fee, and any further negotiations would be conducted on City's terms. The ball, for now, sits firmly in Barcelona's court.
Rodri, who missed much of last season through injury, has spent pre-season working his way back to full fitness. City will want him ready for the new campaign, not distracted by transfer talk.
Barcelona's persistence is notable, but so is City's refusal to budge. Some players are simply not for sale at any price, and Rodri looks increasingly like one of them.