Ruben Dias’ 2025/2026 season has once again underlined why he is viewed as one of Man City’s most important defenders, with Arsenal and Chelsea believed to be among his admirers.
Across the campaign, he has remained a regular starter in Pep Guardiola's final season in charge when fully fit, continuing to marshal the backline with his leadership and authority.
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It is in line with his wider City career, where he has already passed 250 appearances and helped deliver the famous 2023 treble alongside multiple other Premier League titles since arriving from Benfica in 2020.
Even during a season where City’s defence was disrupted by injuries, Dias still stood out, and reports have continued to rank him among the division’s most reliable centre-backs, particularly for his passing from deep and his ability to organise his teammates under pressure.
The 29-year-old, who is reportedly on around £183,000-per-week at Eastlands, had trouble with his hamstring at the end of 25/26 which forced him into more of a bit-part role, but his quality is beyond doubt.
Ruben Dias after scoring vs Newcastle
Dias is also approaching 80 caps for Portugal after starting all but one of his nation's games at the World Cup, with Roberto Martinez also viewing him as a cornerstone of the national team.
That consistency is a big reason why, according to TEAMtalk journalist Graeme Bailey, City have reacted firmly to renewed transfer talk involving Arsenal and Chelsea.
Man City respond as Arsenal and Chelsea express Ruben Dias interest
Both clubs held exploratory interest, with Chelsea in particular making an enquiry last month.
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However, according to Bailey's information, City’s stance is clear: they are not entertaining offers for Dias.
Chelsea, now under Xabi Alonso’s leadership, are expected to add a star centre-half amid links to Maxence Lacroix, but the message from the Etihad remains that Dias is not available at any price.
From Arsenal’s side, the interest feels more like respect than necessity.
Do Arsenal really need Rúben Dias?
Mikel Arteta has already built one of the strongest defensive units in the Premier League, with multiple options competing for places.
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William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes remain the first-choice pairing when fully fit, while Ben White provides flexibility across the back line.
They added a lot of further depth there last summer too, with Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapie joining Riccardo Calafiori as the defenders providing quality centre-back coverage.
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In truth, Arsenal’s defence is already among the most settled in Europe, and that is why the idea of pushing hard for Dias feels unnecessary.
He would unquestionably improve almost any squad, but the Gunners already have a blend of youth, physicality and technical quality in central defence that does not require a major overhaul.
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The Gunners have surprisingly thrown their hat in the ring.