Riquelme is also promising to reveal the first concrete name from his sporting project by Wednesday and expressing interest in former Real Madrid captain Fernando Hierro as a potential sporting director.
Speaking at an event in Málaga and subsequently to COPE's Tiempo de Juego, the 37-year-old renewable energy entrepreneur went further than at any previous point in his campaign in laying out the footballing dimension of his candidacy.
"If I become president of Real Madrid, a player like Rodri will play at Real Madrid," Riquelme told COPE.
He had been careful earlier in the week not to confirm Rodri directly, telling ESPN: "I love that player. He's a fantastic player and the profile of player Real Madrid should have. But obviously he's at another club and we have to respect that."
Rodri remains under contract at City and will feature for Spain at the World Cup.
Riquelme had previously stated he holds verbal agreements with two international stars who would join Madrid if he takes power — and clarified to reporters that the first name he will reveal publicly is a foreign player. The second, he indicated, will play at the World Cup with Spain, which is consistent with Rodri's profile.
On Fernando Hierro, Riquelme said: "He is a legend and we like him." When pressed on potential sporting directors, he said he intends to build a professional structure rather than fulfil the role himself. "The vast majority of problems we have seen in two seasons at Real Madrid would have been solved with adequate hierarchy. It's not a question of a firm hand — it's a question of hierarchy and professionals, where everyone understands where they stand within the club."
He also challenged Florentino Pérez to debate him publicly ahead of the vote.
"I respect him, but if he is not prepared to debate, is he prepared to lead the club? It is healthy that after twenty years there can be a debate. What will Real Madrid be in 2040? That debate is good for the members regardless of the election."
Pérez has declined to engage directly with Riquelme's challenge, relying on a formal presentation and institutional support.