Man City learn new Martin Zubimendi transfer 'stance' as January 'plan' emerges

Manchester City have reportedly been handed renewed hope in the race to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

City have been heavily linked with a move for Zubimendi in recent weeks, with the rumours intensifying ever since the injury to Rodri. The City No.16 is expected to be sidelined until the end of the season with a knee injury he suffered in the draw with Arsenal at the end of September.

Rumours linking City with a move for Zubimendi started emerging after the injury to Rodri. Before that, the Sociedad star was credited as a target for Liverpool and Arsenal last summer but turned down a move to the Premier League in favour of staying in San Sebastian.

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According to The Athletic, Zubimendi could now be open to the possibility of leaving Sociedad at some point in 2025. The report claims that the 25-year-old has now accepted that he could pursue a new challenge, which is more likely to be next summer rather than in the January transfer window.

It has been reported, though, that some still believe that Zubimendi could still choose to turn down moves away from the Reale Arena and stay with Sociedad. However, the report suggests that the Spain international could sign for a new club next year.

Liverpool made an attempt to sign Zubimendi last summer before the midfielder rejected the chance to move to Merseyside. Arsenal have also previously been credited with an interest in signing Zubimendi, and it remains to be seen if the Gunners will compete with City and Liverpool for his signature once again.

Zubimendi is reported to have a €60million (£50million) buyout clause in his Sociedad contract. Since rejecting a move to Liverpool, Zubimendi has made 19 appearances for Sociedad and has played almost every minute in La Liga this term, with the exception of the first half of the league opener against Rayo Vallecano.