Manchester City have “shown an interest” in buying Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, according to TEAMtalk.
The Premier League champions are weighing up potential replacements for Rodri, who is set for a long spell on the sidelines with injury.
Zubimendi has a €60m (£50m) release clause in his contract and it is believed that the Cityzens are “considering” whether to trigger it.
The player did reject a switch to Liverpool during the summer transfer window, but TEAMtalk claim there is still a possibility that he will move in January.
If Zubimendi does opt to leave San Sebastian, it is expected that City will have to see off Liverpool for the player’s signature.
Arsenal have also been mentioned as a potential suitor in the past but their decision to buy Zubimendi’s former teammate, Mikel Merino, would suggest they will not revive their interest, unlike Liverpool.
City are considering moves for other midfielders
Zubimendi is not the only player on the club’s list of targets, with Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella, Atalanta’s Ederson and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton also being looked at.
All four have very different styles of play, and you can argue that only Ederson would be a like-for-like replacement for Rodri.
It should be noted, though, that Zubimendi did come on as a substitute for the City star at half-time in Spain’s win over England in the European Championship final back in July, and he acquitted himself extremely well.
What is the latest news on Rodri’s injury?
City have now confirmed that the 28-year-old will be sidelined for an extended period. Releasing a statement on the official website, the club said:
“Manchester City FC can confirm that Rodri has suffered a ligament injury to his right knee. The injury was sustained during the first half of this weekend’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal in the Premier League.”
“The midfielder travelled to Spain to seek specialist consultation this week, following initial tests in Manchester. Assessment remains ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the injury and expected prognosis.”
If it is an anterior cruciate ligament injury as reported, Rodri’s season is over and he is likely to return to fitness at some point next summer.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
