Manchester City have reportedly identified Martin Zubimendi and Bruno Guimaraes as a potential solution to their defensive midfield problems following Rodri’s ACL injury earlier this season.
According to ESPN, both players will be pursued after the Premier League champions announce a record revenues of £715 million ($906m) and a transfer profit of £139m in their annual financial report.
After losing 2-0 to Juventus – their seventh loss in ten games – in the Champions League on Wednesday, City, who won the Premier League for the fourth time in a row last season, will play their rivals, Manchester United, at the Etihad on Sunday.
With only one win in that ten-game run, Pep Guardiola’s side have fallen to fourth place in the Premier League, eight points behind leaders Liverpool, and are fighting to stay in the Champions League.
See Also: Man Utd Players Need More Time To Learn Amorim’s System, Hojlund Says
Real Sociedad midfielder Zubimendi, who is thought to be a possible replacement for Ballon d’Or winner Rodri after his season-ending cruciate ligament injury, has long piqued Guardiola’s interest. The City manager has also previously targeted Newcastle midfielder Guimaraes.
Although the club denies all claims, City are awaiting the outcome of a Premier League hearing into 115 charges for violating the league’s financial rules.
The continued uncertainty surrounding the potential punishment may deter prospective new signings from joining the Manchester club.
However, according to reports, City will have a significant transfer surplus in January, which will allow them to freely pursue Guardiola’s priorities.
COMMENTS