Zubimendi talk dismissed
Real Madrid have made up their minds on Martin Zubimendi. According to Spanish journalist Alberto Pereiro, they are not coming back in for the Arsenal midfielder this summer.
Pereiro was asked directly by a fan whether a move from Arsenal to Real Madrid was on the cards. His answer was a blunt "NO".
It's not exactly a glowing endorsement of Zubimendi's current situation either. Pereiro posted on X that the Spain international has had "a difficult end to the year", is "having a difficult summer", and is "going to have an even more difficult year".
Zubimendi was a key figure in Arsenal's Premier League title win last season — their first in 22 years — and started the Champions League final defeat to PSG on penalties. But he looked tired towards the end of the campaign and took some criticism for it.
Arsenal are still in the market for midfield reinforcement, with Newcastle's Bruno Guimaraes mentioned as a potential option to push both Zubimendi and Declan Rice.
Monga chooses City
Meanwhile, Manchester City have beaten Arsenal to the signing of Leicester City winger Jeremy Monga.
The 17-year-old's move was confirmed on Saturday, and he made it clear there was only ever one destination once City came calling.
"When I became aware that Manchester City were interested, I knew instantly this was the right choice for me," Monga told the club website. "For any young footballer, to become part of this amazing club is a dream come true."
Monga pointed to City's record over the past decade and the pathway for academy players like Phil Foden and Nico O'Reilly as factors in his decision.
Director of football Hugo Viana described Monga as "an exciting player who has already made huge strides in his young career", adding that City were already well aware of him from his time at Leicester.
"At 17-years-old we feel he is only going to continue to improve and that this is the correct next step in his career," Viana said.