Barcelona have made a third — and what they hope will be decisive — offer for Manchester City midfielder Rodri, with negotiations between the two clubs now entering the final stretch.

The Blaugrana have been working tirelessly to bring the Spain international back to his home country with a view to the 2026/27 campaign, and the latest bid appears to have moved the deal within touching distance. According to English transfer insider Ben Jacobs:

"Barcelona have made a third offer for Rodri and are optimistic of completing a deal. Package under discussion now £60m+ (€70m+)."

Rodri's name has dominated headlines across Spain and England alike for weeks. After it initially appeared the 30-year-old was primed to pen terms with Real Madrid, Hansi Flick's Barcelona instead emerged as the clear frontrunners to strike a deal. Ahead of the expiration of his contract at the Etihad in less than 12 months' time, the World Cup winner has made clear his desire for a new challenge.

The Camp Nou hierarchy previously sent a pair of proposals the way of their Manchester counterparts, but both were knocked back. Now, sporting director Deco and co. have returned to the table with a third offer. Per Italian reporter Matteo Moretto, talks between the clubs are "entering the final stretch", with Barcelona aiming to close the deal "in the coming hours for an amount exceeding €70 million, between fixed base and variables."

Rodri was back at Manchester City on Friday to start pre-season, with manager Enzo Maresca admitting that "anything can still happen" regarding the midfielder. Barcelona, meanwhile, are now hoping that Rodri can be signed, sealed and delivered in time to be presented to supporters at Wednesday's Joan Gamper Trophy fixture against Al Ahly at Camp Nou.

With the player's preference firmly for a move to Camp Nou and City open to talks, the clubs appear close to ending one of the summer's longest-running transfer sagas.