Pep Guardiola has asked Manchester City for the signing of Real Sociedad midfield mainstay Martin Zubimendi.
Manchester City have been going through one of their most rough phase in recent seasons. Having won just one out of their last eight games across competitions, City are all set to make some significant changes to their squad in the upcoming winter transfer window.
The Premier League giants are keen on reinforcing their midfield and according to a report from Fichajes, Pep Guardiola has demanded the signing of Martin Zubimendi as he looks to stay competitive in both the Premier League as well as the Champions League.
Since getting promoted to Real Sociedad’s first team in 2020, Zubimendi has gone on to establish himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in La Liga. Multiple top clubs were after his signatures during the summer window. Liverpool were on the verge of adding him to their squad as they wanted to bring in a new number six. But, the 25-year-old turned down the opportunity to move to Anfield.
While the Reds did suffer a setback during the summer, they retained interest in the Spanish international’s services and could return for him in the upcoming transfer window. Meanwhile, Arsenal are also interested in his services as they are looking to freshen things up in the centre of the park with Jorginho and Thomas Partey in the final phase of their career.
Manchester City want Zubimendi
Despite interest from Arsenal as well as Liverpool, Manchester City are looking to take the lead in the race for his signature. Guardiola’s team have suffered in the ongoing season because of injuries. The major blow came quite early in the season as Rodri picked up a serious knee injury.
With the Spanish international out for the remainder of the season, City have found it difficult to cover for him. As a result, the former Barcelona boss wants to bring in a world-class replacement in January. He is pushing the Manchester-based club to acquire the services of Zubimendi.
The 25-year-old has all the qualities to succeed in the Premier League and he could easily slot into Guardiola’s system. He is great on the ball and his defensive abilities are right up there. While the Spanish manager has urged the City board to work on his signing, it won’t be that straightforward given the amount of competition.
Zubimendi has a €60 million release clause which does help the cause of the biggest clubs in the world. But, having turned down the move to Liverpool in the summer, City will have to convince him to leave his childhood club mid-season.