Manchester City keen to beat Liverpool in race to sign 25-year-old La Liga star: Reports
Manchester City are reportedly keen on beating Liverpool in the race to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. Football Insider correspondent Pete O’Rourke claimed that the Cityzens are considering a January move for the Spaniard.
Zubimendi has been the subject of interest for many major clubs across Europe in recent years. However, it was Liverpool who registered concrete interest in the Spaniard in the summer and were close to landing him.
However, the UEFA European Championship-winning Spain international snubbed a move to Anfield in favor of staying at his boyhood club. It has been reported that the 25-year-old regrets his decision and is open to a move in January.
Arne Slot's side are reportedly plotting another offer for the midfielder in January as they look to bolster their midfield ranks. However, they could now face competition from rivals Manchester City who have suffered a major blow in the form of Rodri's injury.
Rodri, widely regarded as the best defensive midfielder in world football, has been ruled out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury. The Sky Blues are believed to be considering Zubimendi as the replacement for his compatriot.
Manchester City have a pretty strong and deep midfield but don't possess a like-for-like option to fill in for Rodri. Meanwhile, Liverpool have also reacted well after missing out on Zubimendi with Ryan Gravenberch slotting in the number six role.
Zubimendi has made 197 appearances for Real Sociedad to date having come through the club's youth ranks. The technically gifted defensive midfielder is capped 12 times for Spain and has been a part of their Nations Cup and European Championship-winning sides.
Paul Scholes claims Liverpool can challenge Manchester City for the Premier League title
Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has claimed that Liverpool could challenge Manchester City and Arsenal for the Premier League title this season. The Reds have enjoyed a really promising start to life under Arne Slot and sit at the top of the table after six games.
Paul Scholes has claimed that the Merseyside giants have a pretty solid squad with almost no weakness. He said, via The Mirror:
"I think Liverpool might have something to say about the title race this year. When I look at their forward players, I think they have five or six good players. Seeing Liverpool first-hand, what a squad of players, I see very little weaknesses. The only one we thought about was possibly [a weakness] if Virgil van Dijk or Ibrahima Konate got injured in the centre-half position."
The 11-time Premier League winner added:
"I see their squad, the five or six midfield players who can all run and are great athletes with quality. You then look at the forwards, and they can all play. The only worry was the Forest game, that threw me."
Liverpool have won seven of their first eight games across competitions under Arne Slot. They are currently one point clear of both Manchester City and Arsenal.