Manchester City may now be scouting Real Sociedad No.4 Martin Zubimendi – who Arsenal almost signed during the summer.
That is what Mundo Deportivo are suggesting, at least.
So, what is the potential situation involving Manchester City and Martin Zubimendi? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, the Spanish news outlet claim that Manchester City requested official passes from Real Sociedad to come and watch the clash against Athletic Bilbao on Saturday 30th September.
Mundo Deportivo admit that they are not aware who Manchester City wanted to scout in particular, although it is said that half of the Premier League admire Zubimendi, suggesting the Spain international is the one on Pep Guardiola’s radar.
After all, it would make sense if Manchester City were looking at the 24-year-old.
According to The Times, Arsenal – who play a similar style to Manchester City – wanted to sign Zubimendi back in January, but nothing materialised as Real Sociedad referred the Gunners to his £52.8m release clause.
A story from AS in Spain then claimed that the Spaniard came close to joining Mikel Arteta’s side in the summer, but Declan Rice was signed instead.
Manchester City could make a move for Martin Zubimendi
It would not surprise us whatsoever if the Real Sociedad No.4 is the mystery man being watched by Manchester City, as Guardiola could soon need a new central midfielder.
There are huge doubts over the future of Kalvin Phillips after he was overlooked for a start in recent defeats against Wolves and Arsenal, despite the absence of Rodri.
A story from iNews claims that the England international is very likely to leave in January – Everton and Newcastle are keen.
With that in mind, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Manchester City replace Phillips with Zubimendi, who seems to be obtainable for the Citizens with a relatively low £52.8m release clause.
