Man City face Liverpool and Arsenal fate in chase for €60m star

Manchester City are the latest club trying to convince Martin Zubimendi to leave Real Sociedad, according to a report.

The Basque has become one of the most talked-about players in the transfer market over the past 12 months. A star performer for boyhood club Real Sociedad, Zubimendi is an attractive commodity due to his affordable – for big sides, that is – release clause, which stands at €60 million.

The problem his suitors have faced, however, is the simple fact that the San Sebastian native has been unwilling to leave the club he grew up supporting.

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Both Arsenal and Liverpool tried and failed to lure the Euro 2024 winner to England in recent times and both ultimately came away from talks empty-handed. The Reds, in particular, thought they would finally be able to get him to leave only for Zubimendi to shockingly reject them.

Now, it is Man City’s turn to try their luck.

Man City eye Zubimendi

At least that is according to The Mirror, which reports that the Cityzens have identified Zubimendi as a potential Rodri replacement for January.

The Ballon d’Or winner is likely to miss the rest of the season due to an ACL injury, although he did recently express his belief that he could return before the conclusion of the campaign.

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It is claimed that Zubimendi could now be convinced to leave Real Sociedad, but this seems doubtful. If the player was reluctant to move in the summer, surely he wouldn’t abandon his team mid-season.

Moreover, the 25-year-old has repeatedly doubled down on his choice to stay put, insisting that it was a decision of the heart. If it was a question of money, he could have moved to the Premier League long ago.