{
  "id": 1437577,
  "title": "After missing out on Rodri, who will Real Madrid turn their attention to next?",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/after-missing-out-on-rodri-who-will-real-madrid-turn-their-attention",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-17T06:44:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National Business",
    "slug": "the-national-business",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2026/08/17/after-missing-out-on-rodri-who-will-real-madrid-turn-their-attention-to-next/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "After losing out on signing Rodri from Manchester City, Real Madrid may now cast their gaze upon other midfield options to bolster Jose Mourinho's squad. Barcelona's acquisition of Rodri has left Real Madrid seething, as they had made strong interest in the City midfielder. The Spanish radio station reports that Madrid presented an offer to Rodri that he could not refuse, but he opted for Barcelona instead. Real Madrid will be keen to secure Enzo Fernandez, an Argentina midfielder coveted by City, who could be sold for around £85 million. Chelsea's disappointing 2024/25 season has also opened the door for Real Madrid to add more players, as they had initially expressed no intention of signing Fernandez, who expressed a desire to join Madrid. The 27-year-old Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who played a key role in Arsenal's title-winning campaign, is another option for Real Madrid to consider, as Arsenal have strengthened their midfield this summer. Additionally, Dortmund's Felix Nmecha and Chema Andres, a young Spanish Under-21 international, could also be on the radar for Real Madrid, who are looking for greater experience and authority in the holding midfield position.",
  "summary": "Real Madrid will be seething after seeing bitter rivals Barcelona hijack their bid to sign Rodri from Manchester City. Madrid had made their interest in the City midfielder known, and pushed hard to bring Spain's World Cup-winning captain to the Bernabeu. According to one Spanish radio station, Madrid made Rodri an offer he couldn't refuse. He ultimately did, instead choosing to join Spanish…",
  "key_points": [
    "Real Madrid interested in Enzo Fernandez, valued at £85 million.",
    "Chelsea's poor 2024/25 season opens up transfer window.",
    "Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal's key player, under consideration."
  ],
  "editors_take": "Real Madrid's interest in Rodri foiled, they now eye alternatives like Enzo Fernandez, Martin Zubimendi, Felix Nmecha, and Chema Andres to strengthen their midfield, capitalizing on openings created by Chelsea's struggles and Arsenal's summer moves.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National UAE",
        "title": "After missing out on Rodri, who will Real Madrid turn their attention to next?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/17/after-missing-out-on-rodri-who-will-real-madrid-turn-their-attention-1441144",
        "published": "2026-08-17T06:44:30.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}