Pep Guardiola may have a hard time convincing Martin Zubimendi to join Man City (Image: Getty)
target Martin Zubimendi is apprehensive about the prospect of competing with at the Etihad Stadium, according to reports.
City are believed to be eyeing Zubimendi with a view to fixing their defensive midfield crisis. Rodri’s ACL injury has left the reigning champions light in that department, and their form has nosedived as a result.
The Blues undoubtedly have the cash to sign Zubimendi, who has a release clause written into his Real Sociedad contract. But convincing the Spanish international is another matter altogether.
And according to , he ‘has reservations’ about potentially playing as Rodri’s deputy once the Ballon d’Or winner returns to fitness. City spent on Kalvin Phillips in 2022, and he was almost permanently consigned to the bench before heading out on loan to West Ham and Ipswich Town.
Naturally, as one of the most accomplished passers in Europe, Zubimendi will not want to head down the same path.
And if he decides that heading to City is too big of a risk, ‘s side will be forced to take their midfielder search elsewhere, opening the door for title rivals and to pounce.
Martin Zubimendi is wanted by three of the Premier League’s big hitters (Image: Getty)
found out first-hand in the summer just how difficult it is to tempt Zubimendi away from his boyhood club in San Sebastian. The 25-year-old reportedly ” to the Reds, only to backtrack and stay in the Basque Country.
While they are still understood to hold an interest in Zubimendi, may run into the same problems as City in that the base of their midfield is already occupied by Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, who are both playing out of their skin this season.
One thing they can offer over a struggling City side is a chirpy environment, given that are dominating the title race.
could also enter the fray, having previously shown serious interest in Zubimendi. Gunners boss used to play for Sociedad, and he wants the Spanish club’s outgoing sporting director, Roberto Olabe, to take over from Edu as his new transfer chief next year.
If City lose out to or , they may look at Atalanta’s Ederson, who is said to have been at the Etihad. Recalling Phillips from his loan at Portman Road is not believed to be in the pipeline.