Foden rejected Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham approaches before signing new City contract

Phil Foden turned down approaches from three Premier League rivals before committing his long-term future to Manchester City

Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham all explored the possibility of signing the England international before he signed a new four-year contract at the Etihad Stadium, according to a new report. The 26-year-old had entered the final year of his previous deal, prompting a sustained period of external interest that saw some of the Premier League's most prominent clubs monitor whether the change in management at Manchester City could alter his long-term plans.

Enzo Maresca's arrival as manager proved decisive. Director of football Hugo Viana also played a central role in reassuring Foden of his importance to the club's next era. The attacker rebuffed every approach to commit to the only professional club he has ever represented.

Foden signed a new deal until 2030, with an option to extend by a further 12 months. Manchester City confirmed the contract last week after terms in principle were understood to have been agreed as far back as May.

Bayern Munich interest and World Cup disappointment

Bayern Munich were among the clubs monitoring Foden's situation most closely. City legend Vincent Kompany, now manager at the Allianz Arena, was particularly keen to reunite with the England international he worked alongside at the Etihad Stadium.

Foden's decision to stay was also shaped by a difficult personal summer. He was left out of Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the FIFA World Cup in North America. According to the report, he has used that disappointment as fuel heading into the new campaign, with Manchester City believing the forward is ready to become one of the leading figures of the Maresca era.

Maresca worked with Foden during the 2022-23 treble-winning campaign. At his first press conference, the manager said: "It is my duty to help Foden rediscover the form that made him Premier League Player of the Season two seasons ago." That level of personal investment from a manager will have resonated with the player as he weighed up his options.

Meanwhile, Manchester City left-back Christian McFarlane has joined Leicester City on a season-long loan.