‘I don’t foresee any scares in January’ – Manchester City set to be dealt Zubimendi transfer blow

Manchester City will be active when the transfer window reopens in January, with Martin Zubimendi reportedly one of the club’s prime targets.

Following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa, City are now a whopping nine points adrift of current league leaders Liverpool despite having played two games more.

Pep Guardiola’s side have greatly missed defensive anchorman Rodri, who suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury in the 2-2 draw against Arsenal in September.

City are expected to be in the market for a new midfielder and have been linked with Zubimendi.

However, it seems they will have to turn their attention elsewhere after the latest comments from Real Sociedad’s sporting director, Roberto Olabe, on his future.

“Zubimendi has a release clause, yes – but it’s always the player to decide, and he’s been showing how committed he is to our project,” Olabe was quoted as saying by Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo.

“So far, we’ve seen how he has behaved, and I don’t foresee any scares in January for Zubimendi to leave.”

Zubimendi was a transfer target for Liverpool last summer. They were ready to trigger his €60 million release clause amid their search for midfield reinforcements.

Given Liverpool’s blistering start to the campaign, it is unclear if they will reignite their interest in Zubimendi next year.

Speaking on his future last month, he refused to give much away and insisted he is not focusing on the stories surrounding his future at the Real Arena.