Arsenal's 'future captain' thinks Man City could be signing a 'world-class' player

Manchester City reportedly now have their sights set on Martin Zubimendi, with Kieran Tierney – who’s been tipped as a potential ‘future captain’ of Arsenal – singing the star’s praises. The 25-year-old has devoted his entire career to Real Sociedad since emerging from the Spanish team’s youth ranks in 2016 and has been perfectly content honing his skills in La Liga to date.

The defensive midfielder has clocked up 198 appearances for the club and is seemingly a key component of Imanol Alguacil’s future strategy. Zubimendi, who Liverpool failed to lure to Anfield over the summer, has also shone on the international stage, contributing to Spain’s Euro 2024 victory under the watchful gaze of Luis de la Fuente.

But now, it’s suggested that City could make a move for him, with several current and former players singing Zubimendi’s praises for his skill and prowess on the pitch. Among those who have played alongside the Sociedad star is Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney, who was impressed by the Spaniard in Spain.

While Mikel Arteta said in 2021 that Tierney could go on to lead the Gunners some day as skipper, his career has been blighted by injury in north London. It remains to be seen if he will be a part of Arsenal’s future plans, given he has stiff competition for a place across the defence now.

The Scottish defender looked to get his career back on track in Spain last season, and he couldn’t hide his admiration for the skills of La Liga’s stars in a candid chat with The Guardian off the back of his loan with Sociedad. He said: “You have world-class players like Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Brais Mendez.

“It’s not that people don’t think they’re good, it’s just that if you’re only watching the Premier League every week, it’s hard to know. They’re world class.”

Barcelona legend Xavi also reminisced over his managerial days, revealing his fondness for Zubimendi in particular. As quoted by Mundo Deportivo, he confessed: “I like all of Real Sociedad. They mirror a bit our style of play. Zubimendi is an extraordinary defensive midfielder, he understands the model we like at Barca, he dominates with and without the ball.”

While Manchester City contemplates its next move, luring Zubimendi away from Spain may prove to be a formidable challenge, reports the Manchester Evening News. Their quest could become as intense as Liverpool’s recent pursuit, which saw the midfielder nearly head to Anfield before choosing to stay with Sociedad.

With a contract until July 2027 and a hefty £51million release clause, any attempt to snatch him would be a gamble, especially since he hasn’t played in the Premier League before. Pep Guardiola’s squad could face additional competition for Zubimendi too, as arch-rivals Manchester United were also reportedly interested over the summer, and Arsenal are rumoured to be fans.

With Rodri, their first-choice midfielder, suffering a season-ending ACL injury early in the season, Guardiola might be eyeing the world-class talent in the forthcoming January transfer window. If Zubimendi is out of reach, Guardiola isn’t exactly short of options come the New Year.

City have also been linked with Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand, Porto skipper Alan Varela and Crystal Palace sensation Adam Wharton as of late.