Two players are continually linked to Manchester City but are they gettable in January? | OneFootball

The need for Manchester City to sign a midfielder or possibly two in January is clear to see. Pep Guardiola’s side lacks energy in midfield and the loss of Rodri has amplified this issue. Two players have continually been named as potential January targets for the world champions. They are Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Atalanta’s powerhouse midfielder Ederson. Now a new report has once again named them as potential January targets for Pep Guardiola’s side. But are they gettable? That appears to be the question ahead of a crucial January transfer window for Manchester City.

A report in the Telegraph from James Ducker, Jason Burt and Mike McGrath names Zubimendi and Ederson as potential January targets for the world champions. The report in the Telegraph names those two players and Adam Wharton and Bruno Guimaraes as two other potential targets. In the case of Ederson, the report indicates that Atalanta may be reluctant to sell the Brazilian midfielder in January. Atalanta are flying at the moment and sit top of Serie A. The Telegraph report adds that Zubimendi has reservations about playing as an understudy to Rodri when he returns. Furthermore, it is also reported that Zubimendi may delay a decision on his future until next summer.

Ederson and Martin Zubimendi fit the profile of midfielders Manchester City but signing them in January will be a tough ask.

It is clear that Manchester City are aiming big in the January transfer window. Reports suggest that Pep Guardiola’s side will look for a ready-made midfielder to bolster their squad. There is merit to the idea of the world champions adding two midfielders but at least one is a need they must fill next month. Martin Zubimendi and Ederson fit the profile of players that City need to bring life to their midfield. But the problem may be sealing a deal for either player next month.

As the Telegraph’s report indicates, signing either Zubimendi or Ederson in January isn’t a simple deal or deals to complete. In the case of Zubimendi, he does have a release clause in his current contract. But convincing him to move in January is the battle Manchester City may face if they move for him next month. As the Telegraph report indicates that is no easy battle. Zubimendi is a quality player but he may not want to leave Real Sociedad in January. But perhaps it’s a case of City testing the waters there given how desperate they are for a midfielder.

The case of Ederson is a different one entirely. First of all, Atalanta are flying this season. They have every chance of winning the Serie A title this season. It seems unlikely that they will want to jeopardize that chase by selling one of their most important players. Although there could be a chance for Manchester City to sign the Brazilian. A report from Mark Brus for CaughtOffside indicates that Ederson is flattered by City’s interest in him. While Atalanta may be reluctant to sell the midfielder it may take a mammoth offer from the world champions to convince them to sell Ederson if he does want to join City next month.

Summary

Martin Zubimendi and Ederson do appear to be Manchester City’s main midfield targets next month. Both players would immediately improve City’s engine room. But whether or not they are gettable in January remains to be seen. It may be a case of the world champions shaking the tree to see what falls out if they decide that they must move for either player. City are that desperate for a midfielder to add to their stocks they may need to try a different tactic next month to add one of the players they appear to be looking at signing.