### Guardiola Could Sign Two Midfielders
In a recent development reported by The Sun, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is poised to make significant signings during the January transfer window, an event he has not partook in for seven long years. The report suggests that the substantial profits Manchester City has earned through player trading, totaling more than £250 million over the past two years, will give Guardiola the resources needed to bolster his squad. The premier targets for the City manager appear to be Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad and Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United. The urgency for new signings is heightened by the season-ending ACL injury sustained by renowned midfielder Rodri, which has left a crucial gap in the City midfield.
Sources suggest that Guardiola’s intentions are firmly centered on reinforcing the midfield to combat the alarming slump that has recently affected the team’s performance. The combination of Zubimendi’s skill set and Guimaraes’ midfield versatility could potentially ease the burden left by Rodri’s absence. The players’ abilities to maintain possession and dictate play would be integral as City seeks to regain its footing in the Premier League.
### Arteta Could Enter Race for Zubimendi
Meanwhile, Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta is eyeing the potential signing of Martin Zubimendi as he looks to enhance his squad. The Daily Express highlights that Arteta favors Roberto Olabe as a candidate to take over as sporting director from Edu, who is set to leave Real Sociedad this summer. This development could provide Arsenal with an advantageous position in their pursuit of Zubimendi, who has emerged as one of the top talents in the Basque club.
The article goes on to note that Arsenal is not alone in its interest; Liverpool is also keen on Zubimendi, further intensifying the competition for his signature. With a reported release clause of £49.5 million, Arsenal may look to secure the midfielder not only to improve their squad but also to thwart their rivals from acquiring his services. Zubimendi’s playing style complements that of Mikel Merino, another former Sociedad player, which could facilitate a smoother integration into the Gunners’ system.
### Arsenal Could Make a ‘Surprise’ Move
Despite his expressed intent to limit activities in the January transfer window, Mikel Arteta has left the door open for a potential “surprise” acquisition. As reported in The Mirror, Arteta is focusing on the potential returns of Gabriel and Riccardo Calafiori to full fitness, implying a preference to work with existing squad members. His standpoint revolves around giving time for his injured players to rejoin the team, yet there is an acknowledgment that unexpected opportunities might arise.
Arteta stated, “We’re just respecting the times that the medical department has set. We monitor him every day,” referring to Calafiori’s rehabilitation. He elaborated on his general expectations by mentioning, “I never expect January to be super busy, but some surprises always come. Hopefully, the availability of the squad is going to be better in recent weeks.” This nuanced strategy indicates a calculated approach from the Arsenal manager, balancing squad rejuvenation with the anticipation of injury returns.
### Interest Grows in Chelsea Youngster Vale
In other transfer news, the Daily Mail reports that Chelsea’s promising young talent, Harvey Vale, is attracting notable interest from clubs across the Championship and Europe. The 21-year-old is in the final year of his contract, which has led to speculation regarding his future. Vale’s eligibility for an Irish passport would also significantly impact his potential transfer, allowing him to integrate seamlessly into European teams without occupying a non-European spot.
The report indicates that Vale’s time in the Chelsea academy may be nearing its conclusion, as he has become a highly sought-after player. He is considered to have outgrown the academy framework, having recently made a cameo appearance in the Conference League match against Astana in Kazakhstan. With his contract set to expire at the end of the season and Chelsea reportedly unlikely to exercise the option for an additional year, a permanent move seems increasingly probable as the January transfer window looms closer.
In summary, the upcoming transfer window promises to be an exciting time for Premier League clubs, with significant movements anticipated as seasons continue to unfold. Stream the 2024/25 Premier League live on platforms such as TNT Sports and discover all the action.
