Before looking to topple Arne Slot’s Liverpool side next season, Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola should have his sights set on usurping his close friend, Mikel Arteta and his Arsenal team.
While Manchester City could still finish above Arsenal in the Premier League table, on the basis of both clubs’ respective performances domestically and in Europe, it is easy to conclude that the Gunners are the superior side.
Manchester City are set to rebuild their squad and a crucial step will restructuring the midfield — a department where they previously had the edge on Mikel Arteta and Co.
But with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan no longer at their best anymore, Arsenal’s core of Thomas Partey, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard could be considered better.
Man City could have the edge on Arsenal’s midfield if they sign Tijjani Reijnders
However, Manchester City could one-up Arsenal in the midfield department by signing Tijjani Reijnders.
Manchester City are ready to sign Reijnders this summer — as they view the £56 million-rated man as the perfect replacement for Ilkay Gundogan, who could stay at the Etihad Stadium in the following campaign.
Photo by Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images
Photo by Claudio Villa/AC Milan via Getty Images
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The Dutchman, for one is a superior central midfielder to any of Arsenal’s current options — whether it be Declan Rice, who is a natural number six or Mikel Merino — who has had a mixed debut season at the Emirates Stadium.
Reijnders is not just an expert controller, a silky technician and an excellent carrier of the ball but he has taken a huge leap in terms of his productivity this season — registering 19 goal contributions (15 goals and four assists) in all competitions.
With Rodri primed to return to the pitch soon, who is widely regarded as the best holding midfielder in the world as well, the pair could form an incredible double pivot that is dynamic, technically gifted, defensively sound and threatening in the final third.
Phil Foden, much like Martin Odegaard, has had a disappointing season but Reijnders’ potential arrival could change his fortunes as well — as the Zwolle-born midfielder is adept at breaking the lines — which would especially help the Englishman to receive the ball in advanced areas and on the half-turn.
Much of Foden’s game is based on receiving the ball in tight spaces, darting past his marker and either going for goal or picking a pass — as Rodri’s habit of finding him in such areas of the pitch has impacted his displays.
However, the six-time Premier League winner could get back to his best and as sensational a player as Odegaard is, he is yet to hit the former’s heights during the 2023/2024 season where he won the PFA Players’ Player of The Year award.
Why Tijjani Reijnders is guaranteed to succeed in the Premier League
While Martin Zubimendi’s impending arrival to Arsenal could be considered a factor to hand them the advantage over Manchester City’s midfield, even Rice believes Rodri is the best number six in football.
🚨 Arsenal agree deal to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, here we go! ❤️🤍
Zubimendi has now verbally agreed to sign a long term deal… so formal steps must follow soon with Arsenal to trigger €60m clause.
Zubi, ready to become the first signing of the new season. pic.twitter.com/yzYJOydstE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 10, 2025
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Going back to Reijnders, Pep Guardiola admires him and with the Premier League’s demands for players to be incredibly athletic nowadays, the 6’0 tall midfielder might be tailor-made to succeed as not only he is tall but well-capable of dominating duels.
Under a coach like Guardiola, Reijnders’ technical soundness and footballing intelligence would be highlighted at Manchester City and his potential signing should prompt Arsenal to rethink their plans in midfield.