Manchester City have reportedly taken the lead in the race to sign Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.

From Bernabeu to Etihad? Man City Lead Chase for Rodrygo

The Premier League champions are now considered the main favorites to secure a deal for the Brazilian when the transfer window reopens in January.

This development follows confirmation of City’s long-standing interest in the 24-year-old. Rodrygo’s position at Real Madrid appears increasingly uncertain due to a significant dip in form.

He has managed to score just once in his last 28 appearances for the Spanish giants, a statistic that has greatly impacted his standing in the team.

Under new manager Xabi Alonso, Rodrygo has seen his role diminish. He has primarily been used as an impact substitute rather than a regular starter, struggling to make a consistent impact in the final third.

This ongoing situation has led the Real Madrid hierarchy to consider permanent offers for the player.

According to reports from Fichajes, Manchester City are pushing hardest for his signature. The club’s financial power and compelling sporting project are seen as key factors that could attract Rodrygo to the Etihad Stadium.

The report indicates that City boss Pep Guardiola is a firm admirer of the attacker’s talent. Guardiola apparently believes he can help Rodrygo rediscover his top form and fulfill his potential within his system.

As the January window approaches, all eyes will be on whether Manchester City formalize their interest with a concrete bid for the out-of-favor Real Madrid star.

Kylian Mbappe has once again hailed Rayan Cherki, calling the Manchester City forward a “special talent” ahead of France’s World Cup qualifiers.

Mbappe Backs Cherki as the Next Big Star at Manchester City

Cherki, who earned another call-up to the national team, is expected to feature in the upcoming matches against Ukraine and Azerbaijan.

Speaking to reporters before Thursday’s clash, France captain Mbappe couldn’t hide his admiration for the young attacker.

“He’s a special talent. I think he has a gift, which he’s making the most of. It’s an innate, spectacular talent,” said Mbappe.

“He’s integrated very well into the group and into Manchester City, which isn’t easy.

I hope he continues like this. He’s started well with us, and now he has the opportunity to show it again for France.”

Cherki, who joined City from Lyon in a £34 million move last summer, has quickly adapted to life in England.

After scoring on his Premier League debut against Wolverhampton Wanderers, the 22-year-old suffered a minor thigh injury but has since bounced back in impressive fashion.

The Frenchman has already recorded three goals and three assists in just nine appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side.

His dribbling, creativity, and vision have made him one of the most exciting young attackers in the league.

Cherki came through Lyon’s academy and drew early comparisons to Lionel Messi for his quick feet and close control. During his time in Ligue 1, he notched 29 goals and 45 assists across 185 appearances.

Now thriving at City, Cherki has shown maturity and work ethic under Guardiola’s guidance. His ability to interchange positions with Phil Foden and link up with Erling Haaland gives City even more attacking depth.

That £34m investment already looks like a bargain and with Mbappe’s glowing endorsement, it’s clear that Rayan Cherki could be Manchester City’s next superstar.

Pep Guardiola has issued a stark reminder to Arsenal that despite their impressive start, the Premier League title is far from secured — ahead of his side’s crucial fixture against Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

“Guardiola: Arsenal Look Incredible, But They’re Not the Champions”

Guardiola acknowledged how well Arsenal are playing but stressed that they’re not champions yet.

He told press conference: “On Sunday we play against… right now, the champions. Arsenal is not the champion, the champion is Liverpool.” 

He also made it clear: “We are in early November and you cannot win the title. You can lose it, but you cannot win it.” 

Arsenal currently lead the table, but City see this as an opportunity to close the gap. If Manchester City beat Liverpool, Arsenal’s advantage would be cut.

Guardiola highlighted that title-winning teams grow month-by-month: from September, October onwards, not just start well. “The teams who win are the teams who grow,” he said.

He admitted his own side haven’t yet hit their defensive stride, but feel they are improving: “I have the feeling that we are getting better.” 

While Arsenal may appear to be heading for the summit, Guardiola’s words underscore that the journey is far from over.

With many matches ahead, the margin for error is slim — and the contender mindset remains alive.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola hailed Phil Foden’s return to top form after the England forward inspired his side to a 4-1 victory over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Phil Foden’s Return: City Star Shines in 4-1 Win Over Dortmund

Foden scored twice to secure his first-ever Champions League brace, taking his tally in the competition to 20 goals.

The 25-year-old became the seventh English player to reach that milestone and the second-youngest after Wayne Rooney. His standout display helped City climb to fourth in the Champions League table.

As reported by ESPN “This season, he’s back,” Guardiola said after the match.

“Not just Phil, all of us struggled last season.

But when Phil is playing at that level — between the lines, in the pockets — it doesn’t matter what happens. He’s a special player, and we need his goals.”

Foden had endured a dip in form last season, scoring just seven league goals after hitting 19 in the 2023–24 campaign, where he was named the Premier League’s best player as City clinched a record fourth consecutive title. His slump also saw him left out of the last three England squads.

However, Wednesday’s performance hinted at a revival. Guardiola believes this could be the first step in Foden’s full resurgence.

“It’s important to have him back,” he said.

“When we won the fourth Premier League in a row, he was the best player in the league. We’ve missed him a lot.”

England head coach Thomas Tuchel will announce his squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania on Friday, and Foden is hoping to earn a recall.

Guardiola backed his player, adding, “Thomas knows Phil perfectly. Everyone knows his quality and ability.

England is lucky to have so many talented players, and that’s why Phil has to keep pushing himself to be even better.”

With his confidence restored and Guardiola’s faith renewed, Foden looks ready to reclaim his place among England’s brightest talents.