Kevin De Bruyne pushes for Manchester City exit before start of Club World Cup, Manchester United eye Rasmus Hojlund swap deal - Paper Round
Published 24/04/2025 at 22:53 GMT+1
The Club World Cup begins on June 14 but Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne - under contract until the end of June - reportedly wants to leave before his side take off for the United States. Meanwhile, Manchester United's Rasmus Hojlund could return to Atalanta, with Ademola Lookman heading to Old Trafford in a swap deal, and Arsenal are confident of signing Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
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De Bruyne pushes for early Man City exit
Kevin De Bruyne could leave Manchester City before the start of the Club World Cup, reports the Daily Star.
The Belgium international will say farewell to The Citizens at the end of the season, when his contract expires.
Man City face an extended campaign as they jet off to the United States to take part in the Club World Cup, which begins on June 14.
However, De Bruyne, who admitted he was "surprised" that Man City had not offered him a new deal, is said to desire a move away from the club before the action kicks off.
"Kevin De Bruyne is expected to snub the Club World Cup following Manchester City's decision to release him," reads the article.
"De Bruyne revealed last week how City had refused to give him a new contract -and told him he was free to leave the Etihad this summer. The handling of the decision has angered De Bruyne, who is now looking for a new club.
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"Pep Guardiola's squad will head to the United States in June to take part in the inaugural Club World Cup. De Bruyne is obliged to go, because his current deal doesn't run out until the end of that month.
"And while the tournament doesn't finish until July 13, clubs can get special dispensation to extend player deals by a further two weeks. But it's understood De Bruyne has reservations about being involved - and is keen to end his City career following the final league game of the season.
"The Belgium international doesn't want to risk getting injured and ruin a move to another club. While the midfielder is also keen to take a significant break, ahead of the start of next season."
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Hojlund and Lookman could swap clubs
Rasmus Hojlund could return to former club Atalanta, with Manchester United interested in a swap deal that would bring Ademola Lookman to Old Trafford.
The Sun reports the Serie A side are keen on re-signing the Denmark international despite his goalscoring struggles at Man Utd, where he has netted only three times in the Premier League this season.
Hojlund joined The Red Devils from Atalanta for a fee of £72 million in August 2023, while Lookman is a player in demand after a successful spell in Italy, famously scoring a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen in May 2024.
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"Rasmus Hojlund could be offered a potential escape route from his Manchester United debacle by former club Atalanta," reads the article.
"And that could see a partial swap deal bringing Ademola Lookman back to the Premier League.
"Hojlund, 22, remains a firm favourite among the Atalanta supporters and the Serie A side are ready to make a move in the summer if United decide to cut their losses.
"There is also interest from clubs in Germany, but Atalanta believe Hojlund would be open-minded to a return to the club where he made his name.
"Atalanta scouts have watched his recent matches and remain in touch with the players' representatives, who ensured he left the club on good terms two years ago.
"But an extra element in any deal could involve former Everton, Fulham and Leicester wideman Lookman, who is keen to return to England after three successful seasons in Italy.
"The London-born winger, 27, who opted to play for Nigeria despite winning 11 England Under-21 caps, is thought to be open to a move to Old Trafford."
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Scholes thought Man Utd ‘almost had an Alan Shearer’ when Hojlund was signed
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Arsenal confident of signing Zubimendi
Arsenal are confident of signing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer, despite strong interest from Real Madrid.
A report in The Mirror claims Mikel Arteta’s side are favourites to sign the Spain international, who is said to have turned down a move to Liverpool last season.
"Arsenal remain confident of securing a deal for Martin Zubimendi - who could become their first summer signing. The Gunners are known to have a long-term interest in the Real Sociedad midfielder," reads the article.
"Zubimendi was on the club's radar in the summer but remained with the La Liga outfit, 12 months on though and Arsenal are confident of securing his services once they trigger his £52million release clause. That is despite Real Madrid also circling whilst Liverpool were heavily interested last summer.
"The 26-year-old has been a standout in San Sebastian and helped Spain win the Euros, deputising impressively for Rodri. Arsenal believe he can further bolster their midfield and new sporting director Andrea Berta is on the same page as Arteta regarding his qualities, reports ESPN."
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