Manchester City Transfer News: Atletico's Llorente signing opens the door for Rodri's move to the Etihad

What's the story?

With Atletico Madrid officially confirming the transfer of 24-year-old central midfielder Marcos Llorente from Real Madrid, Manchester City have been given a big boost in signing their long-time target and Atleti midfield lynchpin, Rodri.

Llorente's arrival seems to signal Atleti manager Diego Simeone's seeming inability to convince Rodri to stay amidst interest from a multitude of European heavyweight clubs.

In case you didn't know...

.22-year-old Spanish international Rodri has had a breakthrough 2018-19 season with Atletico Madrid, slotting straight into Diego Simeone's midfield effortlessly after joining from Villarreal.

Having started 32 of Atleti's 38 league games this season, the midfielder chipped in with 3 goals and an assist, while dominating midfield with impressive stats on 2.6 tackles, 1.2 interceptions and 1.8 clearances per game.

Rodri & Joao Cancelo both look likely to end up at City as champions waste no time laying the groundwork for next season. Danilo likely to depart, probably for Italy. City due to announce shortly that Kyle Walker has signed a 2yr contract extension #mcfc https://t.co/hUtnfvQwdc

— James Ducker (@TelegraphDucker) June 18, 2019

Atleico Madrid had announced the signature of Spanish Under-21 international Marcos Llorente for a reported fee of €40 million, earlier today via their official Twitter page. The 24-year-old never managed to break into the Los Blancos first team and managed just 10 starts for Zinedine Zidane's side last season.

The heart of the matter

As reported by MEN, Marcos Llorente was one of three central midfielders Pep Guardiola had shortlisted as potential targets, as long term replacements for 34-year-old Fernandinho. With Llorente's move to the Wanda Metropolitano, the list reduces to Atleti midfielder Rodri and Olympique Lyon's French international Tanguy Ndombele.

With Rodri regarded as Guardiolá's ideal signing, Simeone's move for Llorente seems to be in anticipation of the midfielder's imminent move to the Etihad. Having represented Spain at Under-19 and Under-21 levels, Rodri was handed his first senior international cap in March 2018 for friendlies against Germany and Argentina.

Agreement over the transfer of @marcosllorente, pending medical tests.👉 https://t.co/MWB7wMEBLp#AúpaAtleti pic.twitter.com/FqeXEC7xRD

— Atlético de Madrid (@atletienglish) June 20, 2019

What's next?

Spanish international Rodri was part of the La Furia Roja side that won their latest rounds of Euro 2020 Qualifiers, 4-1 against Faroe Islands on June 8th and 3-0 against Sweden on June 11th.

Atleti are next slated to take the field in the International Champions Cup, a pre-season friendly tournament on the 24th of July with a matchup against Guadalajara in Arlington, Texas.

Manchester City begin their pre-season tour with a trip to China and are set to face West Ham United on 17th July, as part of the Premier League Asia Trophy.