Manchester City are reportedly considering triggering the release clause of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi during the January transfer window due to their ongoing issues.
The Citizens were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton in England's top flight on Boxing Day and have now dropped down to seventh spot in the Premier League table, 14 points behind leaders Liverpool, who still have a game in hand.
Man City are facing the prospect of missing out on Champions League football for next season, and head coach Pep Guardiola has said that his club are planning to be active during the January transfer window.
"We have to, if we can, we have to add players definitely," Guardiola told Amazon Prime Video. "We struggle, especially in the back, in the middle. Saying that, i don't know it's going to happen.
"In transfer window, in winter time, it's not easy but everybody is aware. I think even the players ask that we add some players please."
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Man City 'considering Zubimendi move'
According to Football Insider, Man City are considering activating the release clause in Zubimendi's Real Sociedad contract when the January transfer window opens for business.
Zubimendi turned down the chance to join Liverpool over the summer in order to remain with Real Sociedad, but he remains on the radar of the Reds and is also believed to be wanted by Arsenal.
Man City are said to be long-term admirers of the Spain international, meanwhile, and a €60m (£49.8m) release clause in his deal has placed Real Sociedad in a vulnerable spot ahead of the opening of the winter market.
Real Sociedad's sporting director Roberto Olabe has said that he is not expecting the midfielder to leave in January.
"There is little peace regarding the clauses, but in all this time Martin himself has shown us that above the clauses are the wills," Olabe told Estadio Deportivo. "Until today we have already seen the behaviour that he has had, I do not foresee that we will have any scares in January."
However, there are no guarantees when it comes to his future, and Zubimendi is one of the most in-demand central midfielders in world football considering his performance level, age and buy-out fee.
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Would Zubimendi be a good signing for Man City?
Rodri's absence has been felt by Man City, with the Citizens simply not the same side without the Spaniard, but their midfield issues run much deeper, and at least one player is required in that area of the field.
Zubimendi has again been in strong form this season, making 21 appearances in all competitions, scoring once and registering two assists, including four outings in the Europa League.
In terms of value for money, there are few better signings around at this moment in time, and it would be a statement of intent from Guardiola's side if they could sign the Euro 2024 winner during the winter market.
Matt Law
