Are Manchester City on the verge of landing their first blow of the January transfer window? | OneFootball

With the January transfer window fast approaching it promises to be a busy window for Manchester City. Jack Gaughan and Lewis Browning have reported for the Daily Mail that Pep Guardiola’s side could bring in up to three players next month. They further report that Bruno Guimaraes and Martin Zubimendi are looming as potential targets for the Premier League champions. But in the case of Martin Zubimendi are Manchester City on the verge of landing their first blow of the upcoming transfer window? A report from Spain suggests that Zubimendi is likely to end up at the Etihad next month.

Spanish publication EsDiario has reported that ‘everything’ indicates that Martin Zubimendi will become a Manchester City player in January. Furthermore, EsDiario’s report adds that Real Madrid and Barcelona also have an interest in signing the Spanish international. EsDiario goes on to report that City have already spoken to Zubimendi’s entourage. The report further adds that Zubimendi’s entourage is open to a change of scenery for the player. Although, the EsDiario report also states that Zubimendi may be reluctant to leave Real Sociedad next month. Lastly, EsDiario adds that Manchester City will have no issue in paying the £50.3 million release clause in Zubimendi’s contract.

Manchester City appear to be wasting no time in moving for their January transfer targets.

There is no question that the Premier League champions will have to move quickly to secure their signings next month. Pep Guardiola’s side is desperate for reinforcements and they will want to avoid any protracted transfer negotiations in January. It looms as a crucial month for Manchester City, and the quicker they tie up a deal for a player, they can then move on to the next one. Of all the players named as potential targets for Pep Guardiola’s side perhaps a deal for Martin Zubimendi is the easiest to complete.

As reported by EsDiario there is a release clause in Zubimendi’s current contract. That means that Manchester City can avoid any protracted transfer negotiations with Real Sociedad for the player. If they can convince him to leave Real Sociedad then the rest is simple. However, convincing Zubimendi to leave his boyhood club is the difficult part of any negotiations for the midfielder.

But as a player Martin Zubimendi would immediately solve one of the most pressing issues in Pep Guardiola’s squad. He could instantly replace Rodri and could also potentially form a lethal midfield partnership with City’s midfield general. Based on EsDiario’s report it seems that Manchester City may be on the verge of landing a blow in next month’s transfer window. It now remains to be seen just how accurate the report is.