From Italy: Manchester City and Arsenal spark transfer battle for Spain U21 midfielder | OneFootball

Manchester City and Arsenal face a potential battle for Elche and Spain U21 starlet Rodrigo Mendoza in January amid interest from other major European clubs, as per a report from Italy.

The 20-year-old has developed into one of Spanish football’s most sought-after midfielders following a successful start to the 2025-26 campaign in La Liga so far – drawing comparisons to Barcelona’s Pedri.

Despite Pep Guardiola’s midfielders providing stability and success in the opening stages of the 2025-26 Premier League season, it is understood that the Manchester City manager would more options in the middle of the park.

But that inclination doesn’t come without its challenges – as Mikel Arteta’s side are also after Mendoza – whose talent has seen Arsenal send scouts across to Spain on a regular basis to monitor his game.

As reported by Tuttosport and relayed by Sport Witness on Monday, it transpired that City and Real Madrid were following 20-year-old Mendoza, with Juventus hoping to get ahead of both clubs in the transfer race. 

But even though the Serie A side are looking to improve their midfield in the winter, they – as well as Madrid – haven’t taken concrete steps to sign him and are yet to assert their desire enough to knock the interest shown by City and Arsenal. 

La Liga side Elche plan to retain the Spain U21 international until the end of the current season – when they can reasonably conduct a more lucrative sale and turn a greater profit on one of their best youngsters.

It has further been stated that Manchester City, Arsenal and the two other clubs involved could launch a so-called ‘assault’ to sign Mendoza, which could see Guardiola and Arteta – already embroiled in a title race – face off for the signature of the young Spaniard.

Mendoza has a release clause worth €20 million that expires in 2028 but reports suggest that Elche are willing to negotiate for less, likely allowing the Spanish club to include bonuses and sell-on clauses. 

The in-demand attacking midfielder is known in Spain for his highly technical and creative playing style that is often compared to the league’s best. 

Most notable is his ability to track back and defend with discipline while creating chances at the other end of the pitch, showing similarities to that of Manchester City captain Bernardo Silva. 

Guardiola is known for his versatile approach to the game where his players never really have one position, meaning that Mendoza could be the perfect fit in City’s midfield should the Blues see off competition for the prodigy and bring him to the Etihad Stadium in January 2026.