Manchester City are ahead in the race for Rodrygo Goes, with the Real Madrid winger ready to explore a new challenge in mid-season.

According to Team Talk, Rodrygo Goes is garnering fresh attention over a move ahead of the January window, with Manchester City leading the race. Chelsea are also monitoring the Brazilian winger from afar, but given the circumstances, including a sporting project and finances, Pep Guardiola’s side are ahead in the chase.

Rodrygo Goes did not have a good Club World Cup campaign under new boss Xabi Alonso, which sparked rumours of an imminent summer exit from Real Madrid. There were many high-profile clubs showing interest and ready to pull the trigger had the Brazilian indicated his desire to quit the Santiago Bernabeu.

Rodrygo ended up taking his chances and staying at Real Madrid to fight for his place and regain the manager’s trust. That plan has not worked out for the Brazilian so far, having started only two of his La Liga games so far, and on the occasions he has come off the bench, the winger has not even played more than 20 minutes in his cameo appearances in the league as such.

The Brazilian is already contemplating a winter exit from Real Madrid, with the club even ready to entertain proposals that come their way. The Spanish giants are ready to sell for much less than their €100 million summer valuation, with the report citing a possible €60 million asking rate, which has brought back a few interested parties from the summer back to the table.

Chelsea are interested in Rodrygo, although they do not appear to be prioritising a move for the winger for multiple reasons. For starters, they do not want to shake up their sporting project as well as the development of top talents like Estevao, while the other and most important factor is complying with PSR, as the Brazilian will be costly, as well as the need to cover his €10 million-a-year wages.

Manchester City are the front-runners for Rodrygo

Manchester City were also interested in the summer, but chose not to bring him in as they kept faith in Savinho despite exit rumours of his own. Pep Guardiola will reportedly consider bringing the €10 million-a-year Real Madrid star in January if the club can manage sales, which could point towards a potential exit for Savinho.

Manchester City are now seen as the front-runners should they make a serious attempt to sign Rodrygo. They are also in a healthy financial position to pay his €10 million-a-year wage demands as well as make a compelling offer to get an agreement with Real Madrid.