Spanish international Martin Zubimendi was very close to signing with Arsenal in 2023, but stayed in La Liga. In the summer, Zubimendi received an offer from Liverpool who pressed the buyout clause button, but politely declined. Even then, one of Europe’s most sought-after defensive midfielders chose to stay with Real Sociedad. This winter, the next Premier League giant is on the door for the 25-year-old.
Manchester City’s winning streak came to a brutal end when Rodri went off with a long-term injury at the start of the season. Without the world’s best player controlling in midfield, things have completely unravelled for City. Zubimendi was singled out as the much-needed replacement for Rodri, who is likely to be sidelined for the entire season.
The reigning Premier League champions were ready to flip up what it took in January to bring Zubimendi to the rescue at the Etihad, but now both The Athletic and the Manchester Evening News report that City are pulling out.
Simply because Zubimendi is not interested in being benched when Balllon d’Or winner Rodri returns from injury.
Guardiola now finds that it is not easy to have the world’s best player in the squad when he has to be replaced in the short term.
