Manchester City consider Rodri replacement who rejected Arsenal & Liverpool | OneFootball

Manchester City are considering a January move for Martin Zubimendi following Rodri‘s ACL injury, with their pursuit coming after both Arsenal and Liverpool attempted to sign the Real Sociedad midfielder earlier this year.

SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad passes the ball whilst under pressure from Warren Zaire-Emery of Paris Saint-Germain during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 round of 16 second leg match between Real Sociedad and Paris Saint-Germain at Reale Arena on March 05, 2024. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Earlier this year, Arsenal were keen on securing 25-year-old Martin Zubimendi as a priority midfield signing. The Gunners were even prepared to meet his €60 million release clause, with Mikel Arteta identifying him as the perfect partner for Declan Rice in the heart of the midfield.

However, Zubimendi ultimately rejected Arsenal’s advances, expressing a preference to stay in La Liga, hoping for a move to either Real Madrid or Barcelona, leading Arsenal to withdraw their interest.

As Zubimendi remained committed to Real Sociedad, this opened the door for Arsenal to turn their attention to his Sociedad teammate, Mikel Merino.

With Liverpool trying hard to sign Zubimendi by that point, Real Sociedad were only willing to let one of their midfielders leave.

Arsenal seized this opportunity, negotiating a deal to bring Merino to the Emirates in the summer.

Mikel Merino in training with Arsenal (Photo via Arsenal.com)

Arsenal fans had initially worried that if Zubimendi had agreed to join Liverpool, it could have complicated the Merino deal.

Yet, with Zubimendi rejecting Liverpool as well and opting to stay, Arsenal found it easier to reach an agreement for Merino, eventually finalising the transfer despite a €10 million gap in valuation between the two clubs initially.

After Manchester City lost Rodri to a severe ACL injury, manager Pep Guardiola reportedly started searching for a replacement to sign in the upcoming January transfer window.

Zubimendi, in Guardiola’s orbit. Rodri’s serious injury forces Premier League giant to react – Mundo Deportivo 1st October 2024

Zubimendi has now emerged as the primary candidate to step into Rodri’s role according to a report from Spain, which mentions that several English media outlets, including Football Insider and the BBC, have also reported City’s interest in Zubimendi with Guardiola seeking to reinforce his midfield options.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Rodri of Manchester City leaves the pitch following an injury during the Premier League match between Manchester City FC and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

While Zubimendi offers a similar playing style to Rodri, characterised by his composure on the ball and defensive solidity, City could face financial and regulatory challenges in pursuing the Spanish international.

With Manchester City potentially facing sanctions or even relegation for 115 Financial Fair Play violations, any major transfers in the upcoming window could be complicated.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – JANUARY 25: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad reacts during the Copa Del Rey Quarter Final match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Spotify Camp Nou on January 25, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

As Zubimendi remains focused on his current role at Real Sociedad, and his responsibilities with the Spanish national team, City’s interest represents yet another test of his commitment.

With Guardiola’s side reportedly ready to make a ‘succulent’ offer, both to the player and Real Sociedad, Zubimendi might soon face another difficult decision about his future. Football Insider also report that they have been told the player regrets his decision not to move to Liverpool when he had the chance.

It would seem crazy to make a move to City on the basis of only being needed temporarily, but City’s bank balance can make otherwise sensible players lose their minds.

Liverpool are also said to remain interested in the player.