PL giants set to rival Arsenal in bid to sign 20-year-old LaLiga star: Reports

Manchester City are prepared for a face off with rivals Arsenal over the signature of Elche midfielder Rodrigo Mendoza, as per reports. The Premier League sides have turned their attention to Spain once more in their search for quality reinforcements in what is a gruelling season in England.

A report from Tribal Football has revealed that Arsenal and Manchester City have both carried out initial checks on Mendoza, as they have been impressed by his displays this season. Both teams consider the 20-year-old midfielder as a player for the future and have him firmly in their sights.

Elche have impressed this season following their promotion to LaLiga, taking points off the likes of Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Athletic Club, and Sevilla. They are in tenth place in the Spanish top-flight, five points clear of the relegation zone, and Mendoza has contributed immensely to their impressive campaign.

Rodrigo Mendoza has appeared in nine of 13 league games for Elche this season, scoring once from his central midfield role. The youngster has caught the eye of Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso, and has been likened to Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi in terms of his style of play.

Spain U-21 international Mendoza is known for his speed of thought and execution in midfield, as well as his ability to link play between defence and attack. He is unlikely to leave Elche before the end of the 2025-26 season, as the club will be unwilling to sanction a January exit for the youngster, who will cost a reported €20 million.

Arsenal receive major boost ahead of weekend clash against Chelsea

Premier League leaders Arsenal have been handed a major boost ahead of their league meeting with Chelsea on Sunday. The Gunners are at home to Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League before they turn their attention to their fellow London side at the weekend.

Mikel Arteta spoke to reporters on Tuesday ahead of the game against Bayern, revealing that strikers Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres will be back fit shortly. He told them that both players will not play against the German champions but are in contention to face Chelsea.

"Really good, both of them. In the next few days, they're going to have a repeat scan to see how everything is and where we can push them for the weekend", he said (via Arsenal.com).

Havertz has appeared just once this season for the Gunners, having picked up a knee injury on Matchday one against Manchester United. Gyokeres, on the other hand, picked up his hamstring injury earlier this month against Burnley, and has not featured for the side since then.