The Citizens are eager to reshape their squad after a challenging season, while Real Madrid have firmly rejected the idea of parting with their young star.

Both clubs, giants of European football, have faced turbulent campaigns. Manchester City are battling to secure a top-five finish in the Premier League, a far cry from their dominant title-winning form last season. Real Madrid, meanwhile, missed out on La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey, prompting plans for a squad overhaul under incoming manager Xabi Alonso for the 2025/26 season.

Rodri, 28, is widely regarded as one of the world's premier defensive midfielders. The Spain international, who claimed the 2024 Ballon d'Or and starred in their Euro 2024 triumph, has won four Premier League titles, two EFL Cups, the FA Cup, and the Champions League during his time at City.

However, a serious knee injury sidelined him for eight months, with the midfielder only recently returning to action. Despite his pedigree, City's owners have reportedly made an "exception" to their stance against selling him, provided Bellingham is included in the deal.

Bellingham, 21, has endured a quieter season but remains one of football's brightest talents. The England international, who won La Liga and the Champions League last term, is expected to thrive under Alonso's guidance.

Defensa Central reported that Real Madrid have "completely ruled out" letting Bellingham go, valuing his potential to develop into a global superstar over Rodri, whose injury history raises concerns about his long-term reliability.

Manchester City's interest in Bellingham is no secret. Manager Pep Guardiola has urged his board to secure the midfielder's signature, seeing him as a cornerstone for their future, per Defensa Central. However, Real Madrid's resolute stance suggests City's ambitious proposal is unlikely to materialize.

Recent posts on X from Manchester City fans reflect frustration with the team's form, with some calling for bold moves like this swap to reinvigorate the squad, though no official statements from the club, Rodri, or Guardiola have confirmed the rumor. Real Madrid's official channels have remained silent on the matter, focusing instead on Alonso's appointment and their plans for next season.

Elsewhere, transfer rumors swirl around Real Madrid's ambitions. Spanish reports claim a "fed up" Manchester United player has instructed his agent to engineer a move to Madrid, while Alonso has his sights set on a top Liverpool star to replace the departing Luka Modric. Additionally, transfer correspondent Fraser Fletcher has suggested Chelsea could offload midfielder Enzo Fernandez to Madrid in the summer, further signaling a busy transfer window for Los Blancos.

For now, Manchester City's daring swap proposal has ignited debate, but Real Madrid's firm rejection keeps Bellingham in the Spanish capital as both clubs prepare for pivotal summers.

Mamelodi Sundowns coach Manqoba Mngqithi: We have been a target for far too long