Manchester City target Martin Zubimendi has reaffirmed his commitment to Real Sociedad.
Reports in the Spanish media last week had claimed that the Cityzens were lining up a move for the 25-year-old when the transfer window reopens in January as they look to replace the injured Rodri. However, Zubimendi has made it clear that he wants to stay in San Sebastian:
“Real Sociedad is a big part of my life. Part of who I am as a person is also thanks to them. I think that the values the club has are within me and well, I want to continue.”
“I arrived at the reserve team when I was 18 years old and Imanol [Alguacil] was already there, so the transition from the reserve team to the first team made it much easier for me. Today I can say that he is the coach who has marked me the most, he knows me very well.”
Zubimendi has been regularly linked with moves to England
It is not the first time that an English team has been credited with an interest in the Spanish international over the last twelve months.
Arsenal wanted to sign Zubimendi at the beginning of the year, while Liverpool pressed to secure his signature in the summer. However, no club has managed to tempt the player into leaving Real Sociedad, despite the fact that he has a €60m (£50m) release clause.
Have City looked at any alternative transfer targets?
The likes of Torino’s Samuele Ricci, Inter Milan’s Nicolo Barella and Atalanta’s Ederson have been mentioned as potential options, in addition to Zubimendi.
However, there is also a strong chance that City won’t enter the market for a Rodri replacement in the New Year. Mateo Kovacic, Rico Lewis, Matheus Nunes and even John Stones can be called upon to fill in if required.
Find out who is in Manchester City’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
