Report: Man City set to battle Arsenal in the race to sign La Liga midfielder | OneFootball

City and Arsenal Tracking Emerging Spain Talent

Interest Building in Rodrigo Mendoza

Manchester City are joining Arsenal in monitoring Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza, according to the Daily Mail. The 20 year old has drawn comparisons to Pedri for his ability to read the game and find space between lines, although coaches consider him a developing talent rather than a finished article. One scout is quoted as saying, “He sees pictures early, he plays with maturity well beyond his age.”

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Growing Attention from Europe

Real Madrid are also watching closely, which highlights the level of potential attached to the Spain U21 international. City’s recruitment staff in Spain have followed Mendoza for several seasons, ever since he established himself in Elche’s first team. His profile fits what elite clubs target, a technical midfielder with long term upside. As one analysis note put it, “You do not ignore a player with this level of awareness.”

Track Record and Development

Despite most of his minutes coming in the Segunda Division, Mendoza has featured ten times in La Liga this season, scoring twice. He also played every minute of Spain’s Under 20 World Cup campaign in Chile, which ended in a 3-2 defeat to Colombia in the quarter finals. City and Arsenal will continue to observe his development, aware that competition for young Spanish talent only intensifies over time.

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Our View, EPL Index Analysis

Manchester City recognise that while the first team is stocked with creative midfielders, the recruitment model always projects several years ahead. A 20 year old who already shows Pedri like characteristics will naturally catch the eye. Supporters will appreciate City being proactive rather than reactive.

Many City fans will view this as another example of smart market awareness. The club seldom rush into decisions on emerging talent, preferring to monitor trajectories over multiple seasons. Knowing that Real Madrid and Arsenal are also tracking him reinforces his potential. Supporters often comment that “if Madrid are looking, the ceiling is usually high.”

There will also be a sense of trust. City’s scouting network in Spain has produced success stories before, and the fanbase generally buy into the process. Some supporters may question where Mendoza would fit in a squad stacked with midfield quality, but that concern is balanced by the belief that talent finds pathways, whether through loans or patient integration.

Ultimately, City fans will see this as sensible preparation for the next cycle of midfield evolution. Even if a transfer is not imminent, staying close to the development of a promising Spanish creator aligns perfectly with the club’s strategy and keeps them ahead in an increasingly competitive talent market.