Manchester City are “planning” to make an offer for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, according to the Daily Star.
The English tabloid claims that the Premier League champions are likely to make an approach for the Spaniard on the advice of Rodri.
With the City star set to miss the rest of the season with an ACL injury, he is believed to have recommended Zubimendi as a possible signing.
The pair are international teammates and the Daily Star claim Rodri has “briefed” the club about the player.
Based on his recommendation, the Cityzens now believe that Zubimendi would be the “perfect fit” to replace the Ballon d’Or, and a bid during the January transfer window is likely.
How much will Zubimendi cost?
The 25-year-old does have a release clause in his contract. The Daily Star claim the buyout fee is £60m, although most other reports have the figure closer to £50m. In either case, though, it won’t be a number that will concern City too much.
A far bigger stumbling block will be persuading the player. Zubimendi has shown little to no desire to leave San Sebastian, having rejected overtures from Premier League clubs previously.
2 English teams have tried and failed to sign the City target
Arsenal were the first club from England to register a genuine interest in the midfielder, having made an attempt to sign him during the 2023 January transfer window. However, Zubimendi made it clear to the Gunners at the time that he didn’t want to move to the Emirates.
The Spanish international also looked closer to joining Liverpool last summer. The Reds were said to be confident that they had secured his signature, only for the player to have last minute change of heart.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
