26 Apr 2026 14:55 BST |
6 min read
Manchester City midfielder Tijjani Reijnders could reportedly leave the club this summer after falling down the pecking order in recent months.
The Netherlands international played a key role for Pep Guardiola’s side during the early weeks of the 2025-26 campaign, following his arrival from AC Milan for €54.9 million, but his influence has waned significantly since the turn of the year.
Guardiola has altered his preferred system at the Etihad Stadium and having found a winning formula with Rodri, Bernardo Silva and Rayan Cherki in midfield, Reijnders is one of several stars who have been demoted to rotation roles.
The Dutchman hasn’t started a Premier League match since a 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on 24 January, while he has been an unused substitute in six of their past nine English top flight fixtures, including the last three.
Reijnders appears unlikely to work his way back into Guardiola’s preferred starting XI before the end of this season and although Bernardo has confirmed that he will be leaving the club this summer, Man City are expected to sign at least one new central midfielder to replace him.
Nottingham Forest’s Elliot Anderson is their primary target for the role, while Chelsea superstar Enzo Fernandez is also on the club’s radar amid his uncertain long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
As a result, Reijnders could be set to leave Man City this summer, as per Italian outlet Calciomercato. It’s reported that several clubs across Europe are keeping close tabs on the 27-year-old, with a summer transfer deemed to be a possibility.
While Man City may not sanction a sale to Arsenal, given their rivalry over recent years, data analytics experts SciSports believe that a move to the Emirates Stadium would be excellent for Reijnders.
Analysis: Tijjani Reijnders told to join Arsenal
Using SciSports’ Career Advice tool, Arsenal rank as Reijnders’ most suitable next team, with a Club Fit score of 86.
Napoli, Juventus and his former club AC Milan are also considered to be strong destinations for the Dutchman, but it’s believed that a transfer to Arsenal could help him kickstart his career after a notable dip at Man City.
The Gunners’ playing style is regarded as an excellent fit for Reijnders, while SciSports believe he would develop his talents immensely if he joined Mikel Arteta’s side ahead of next season.
He would face competition for places from the likes of Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze, but Arsenal appear to be in need of additional creativity in midfield and pursuing a deal for Reijnders could be a smart move.
He has seven goals and eight assists in 45 games for Man City this season, averaging a goal contribution every 180 minutes, and with Arsenal often floundering in attack since the start of 2026, the Netherlands star could be a suitable solution.
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