Man City accelerate transfer plans to beat Arsenal to Rodri replacement

Suraj Radia

• 28 Nov 2024 17:30 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester City burst into action in the January transfer window by targeting a replacement for Rodri and rival Arsenal in a major transfer in the process.

City are looking to shake off their disastrous form since losing Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, having endured a shocking six-game winless run for the first time in Pep Guardiola’s managerial career.

Rodri’s ACL injury is set to keep him sidelined for the rest of the season and City were initially hesitant to panic into signing a replacement in January but the club’s worrying form is believed to have changed their plans.

The Daily Mail report that Martin Zubimendi and Adam Wharton are two players who City are interested in signing in January, although it remains to be seen if a deal for either can get done.

Arsenal are also considered rivals for both players but the Gunners are less likely to invest in a midfielder in January, which could allow City the chance to swoop for either star.

However, Zubimendi could be the more feasible option due to a €60 million release clause in his Real Sociedad contract, with Crystal Palace unlikely to entertain a sale for Wharton, having only signed him in January 2024.

City to move for midfielder in January

A defensive midfielder is top of City’s agenda after the loss of Rodri last month, which has seen Guardiola’s side suffer their worst run of form in more than 12 years.

Zubimendi is thought to be open to a move to City despite rejecting a transfer to Liverpool in the summer, with Real Sociedad having struggled in La Liga this season.

Current ETV

Adam Wharton

M, DM (C)

C. Palace

Adam Wharton

M, DM (C)

C. Palace

€30.5M

ETV Range

€22.9M - €38.1M

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Wharton, meanwhile, has proven a revelation for Palace since his €21m transfer from Blackburn but the Eagles may not sanction his departure while they continue to battle relegation.

The 20-year-old has also struggled with injury 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 the interest in him.