Although there has been a partly positive injury update from the Ballon d’Or Rodri in recent days, if he hopes to return towards the end of the season, a replacement must be in place.
Manchester City have put their entire apparatus into action with a view to reinforcements in January.
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Manchester City will have to shake off their disastrous form since Ballon d’Or winner Rodri’s injury, now they have gone through a shocking six-game winless run for the first time in Pep Guardiola’s managerial career.
After Rodri’s ACL injury, Manchester City were initially hesitant to panic about signing a replacement in January, but the club’s worrying form is believed to have changed their plans.
The Daily Mail reports that Martin Zubimendi and Adam Wharton are two players that Manchester City are interested in signing in January and Arsenal are considered rivals for both players.
Zubimendi could be the more feasible option due to a €60 million release clause in his Real Sociedad contract, while Crystal Palace are unlikely to be particularly accommodating to a sale for Wharton, having signed him in January 2024.
Zubimendi is believed to be open to a move to City despite rejecting a move to Liverpool this summer, with Real Sociedad struggling in La Liga this season.
Wharton is a revelation for Palace since his €21 million transfer from Blackburn, but the Eagles may not want to sanction his departure as they continue to battle for relegation.
The 20-year-old has also struggled with injuries this season, but both City and Arsenal see the England international as a long-term option, while Palace are aware that Wharton could be sold in the next two years due to interest in him.
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