Manchester City ready to make big-money move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in January - Paper Round
Published 11/11/2024 at 06:38 GMT
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Martin Zubimendi could end up in the Premier League after all, just months after turning down Liverpool. The Real Sociedad midfielder has had a "change of heart" and could make the move to Manchester City in January. Elsewhere, Viktor Gyokeres could be available for a "reduced price" next summer, and Arsenal have made an approach to sign Sporting's Ousmane Diomande.
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Man City weighing up Zubimendi move
Manchester City may make a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in January, just months after he turned down Liverpool.
The Reds had pursued the Spain international in the summer only to be knocked back, with the 25-year-old deciding to stay at his hometown club.
But The Sun claims Zubimendi has had a “change of heart” and now wants a move to the Premier League, and City are considering paying his £50.3 million release clause.
“Sources insist Zubimendi has had a change of heart and is keen to play in the Premier League after all,” states the outlet.
“And that has put City on high alert.
“The release clause in Zubimendi’s contract would not be a problem, although manager Pep Guardiola was initially not keen on making any major moves in the January market.
“City’s injury pile-up and dismal form could signal a rethink, as Guardiola is equally reluctant to pile too much pressure on his younger players.”
Gyokeres available for 'reduced price'
Viktor Gyokeres has been told he can leave Sporting next summer for a “reduced price”, according to the Mirror.
The Sweden international has been tipped to follow Ruben Amorim to Manchester United, but a number of other European clubs have also been linked with the striker, who has a release clause of £85m.
And yet Gyokeres could depart Lisbon this winter, it has been said.
“Ruben Amorim has already given Sporting his word that Manchester United will not raid the Portuguese club for their most-valuable assets this winter,” the article reads.
“However, the gentleman's agreement could yet prevent Amorim from bringing prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres to Old Trafford next summer as it presents a window of opportunity for transfer rivals to pounce this January when there will be a chance to beat United to the punch.
“A handful of top European clubs, including City, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain are tracking the Swede, who has an £85 million release clause.
“But the player, who recently claimed the figure was too high, is believed to have been told by Sporting chiefs that he can leave next summer for a reduced price, providing he sees out the current campaign in Lisbon.”
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Arsenal make Diomande approach
Sporting's highly rated defender Ousmane Diomande is also being linked with a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal said to have made an approach for the 20-year-old.
A report carried by Metro claims Mikel Arteta's side are "serious" about signing Diomande, who has a release clause of £66m.
"Speculation has been mounting that Diomande could be set for a big-money move in the January transfer window, just two years on from his arrival in Lisbon," writes the Metro.
"According to Portuguese newspaper Record, Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich find themselves in a strong position to land Diamonde, while Arsenal and Chelsea are also firmly in the running.
"The report claims both London clubs initiated contact over a potential agreement for Diomande, though these moves were swiftly knocked back by Sporting.
"Arsenal have been keeping close tabs on Diomande for well over 12 months and remain ‘serious’ about signing the Ivorian after seeing an initial offer of £30 million rejected last summer.
"Diomande is believed to be aware of the growing interest from around Europe but is keen to remain focused on footballing matters at Sporting, with the club currently flying high in defence of their Primeira Liga crown.
"The imposing 6ft 3in centre-half has an eye-watering €80m (£66m) release clause at Sporting, though the Portuguese champions recognise it may be unrealistic to expect an offer close to that figure."
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