Arsenal are the primary contenders to sign Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders this summer, with data analytics suggesting North London is the ideal destination for the 27-year-old. According to SciSports, Reijnders holds an 86/100 'Club Fit' score for Mikel Arteta’s side, as Reports from Calciomercato suggest City are considering a sale just one year after his €54.9 million move from AC Milan. Despite contributing seven goals and eight assists in 47 appearances this season, the Netherlands international has not started a Premier League match since 24 January.
City ready to pivot as Reijnders drifts from first XI
Reijnders' peripheral role since the turn of the year marks a sharp decline for a player who was a regular fixture in Pep Guardiola's autumn selections. Tribuna reports that City are prepared to offload the midfielder to facilitate a move for Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson, reflecting a shift in tactical priorities at the Etihad. Since Reijnders was relegated to the bench following a 2-0 win over Wolves in January, Guardiola has increasingly relied on a midfield anchored by a returning Rodri, while Rayan Cherki’s emergence has further limited opportunities. Calciomercato notes that after a "sparkling start," the Dutchman is now in a period of "serious difficulty," having failed to regain his place in the starting line-up for over three months.
The tactical fit for Arteta's midfield
For Arsenal, the pursuit of Reijnders addresses a specific deficit in creative output that has plagued the club throughout 2026. While Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard remain undisputed starters, Arteta lacks a versatile, high-volume progressive passer to complete the trio. Reijnders’ statistical profile—evidenced by 15 goal contributions this term—aligns with the need for a dynamic 'number 8' who can transition play from deep. This requirement is compounded by the squad's aging peripheral options; with Jorginho’s recent contract milestones behind him, the Gunners require a peak-age alternative. Given Reijnders was valued at approximately £47 million only last summer, he represents a high-pedigree solution for an Arsenal side seeking more reliability in the central third.
The transfer remains dependent on City finalising their own recruitment targets before sanctioning a sale to a direct title rival.