Former Spain star Gaizka Mendieta believes that Martin Zubimendi is becoming just as important to Arsenal as Rodri has been for years at Manchester City. The Gunners completed a £52 million move for the Real Sociedad midfielder over the summer, despite stiff competition from Real Madrid. Now, only being at the club for a few months, he is already being hailed as a vital component to their success.

This time last year, the narrative around Chelsea's meeting with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge focused on whether Cole Palmer had reached Bukayo Saka-levels of stardom. He had taken west London by storm during his first year with the Blues and was spearheading an unlikely title charge through the autumn. Now, though, the debate between the two rivals has shifted to midfielders Moises Caicedo and Declan Rice.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola provided an update on Rodri's condition as he revealed the club's cautious plan for the Ballon d'Or winner's latest injury return. The Spanish midfielder spent almost the entire 2024-25 season on the sidelines after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in September 2024. He returned to action towards the end of the season and appeared in a few matches in the current campaign before picking up a fresh injury.

Carlos Baleba has been backed to become Manchester United's own Rodri despite Casemiro's resurgence at Old Trafford. In recent weeks, the Brazilian has reminded fans exactly why he’s one of the finest defensive midfielders of his generation. Yet, Ruben Amorim feels that he needs to add more steel in midfield, and a summer bid for Baleba has not been ruled out.

Pep Guardiola has revealed that both Erling Haaland and Rodri have recovered from their respective injuries and will be fit for Manchester City's Premier League clash with Bournemouth on Sunday. Haaland had an injury scare during City's 1-0 defeat at Aston Villa last week but the Norwegian is ready to face Andoni Iraola's in-form side, who are second in the table.