Tijjani Reijnders is emerging as a potential summer talking point across Europe, with his short-lived stay at Manchester City now facing uncertainty despite arriving only a year ago in a high-profile move.
The Netherlands international joined City from AC Milan in a deal worth £46.5m (€55m, $64m) last June, arriving with strong expectations after winning the serie A midfielder of the season.
His early days in England suggested a smooth transition, as he marked his Premier League debut with both a goal and an assist, quickly underlining the technical quality and composure that convinced City to invest heavily.
However, the rhythm of his debut season has not followed a steady upward curve. While Reijnders has still contributed respectable numbers — featuring in 18 Premier League starts and six Champions League appearances, with 15 goal involvements across all competitions — his involvement has noticeably decreased as the campaign has progressed.
Under the demanding rotation structure of Pep Guardiola, he has increasingly found himself pushed down the midfield hierarchy.
That shift has prompted growing internal and external questions about his long-term place at the Etihad Stadium.
Sources suggest City would be open to considering bids in the region of £45m, effectively recouping their initial outlay, particularly as the club look to refine and refresh sections of their squad ahead of another restructuring cycle.
Reijnders’ situation is further complicated by the competitive nature of City’s midfield options, where opportunities have become harder to secure consistently.
His preference, as understood, is to feature regularly at a club competing in the UEFA Champions League, a requirement that has intensified interest from multiple top-level sides across Europe.
Arsenal’s growing interest as Premier League rivals track situation
In the Premier League, Arsenal have positioned Reijnders on a broader list of summer targets as they prepare for another significant transfer window under sporting leadership involving Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta.
The Gunners are assessing midfield reinforcements with an eye on squad rotation and depth, particularly given the demands of competing across domestic and European fronts.
Reijnders is seen internally as a technically secure option who could add versatility to their engine room, even if the interest has not yet developed into concrete negotiations.
While it is stressed that a move to the Emirates Stadium is not at an advanced stage, Arsenal’s involvement ensures that the Dutch international is firmly on the radar of multiple elite clubs.
The possibility of a Premier League switch therefore remains open, depending on how the summer market unfolds and how City choose to structure their squad.
Elsewhere in England, both Aston Villa and Newcastle United are believed to be monitoring developments closely.
Villa, managed by Unai Emery, are understood to be open to exploring a deal if circumstances align, while Newcastle’s recruitment team continue to track midfield opportunities that fit their long-term project.
A possible return to Italian league this summer
In Italy, attention to sign Reijnders has been particularly strong. Juventus are understood to have placed him high on their summer shortlist, with intermediaries already exploring the structure of a possible deal.
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The Turin side have maintained steady communication lines in recent months, reflecting their long-standing admiration for his profile and adaptability.
City’s stance is not one of urgency to sell, but there is recognition that financial and squad balance considerations may influence their decision-making.
With several midfielders competing for limited roles, a departure is not considered impossible, especially if the valuation is met and the player’s desire for regular football becomes more pronounced.
Reijnders’ time at Milan remains central to his appeal. His ability to operate in multiple midfield roles, coupled with calmness in possession and tactical awareness, made him a standout performer in Serie A.
That period continues to resonate strongly in Italy, where he is still viewed as a reliable and intelligent midfield presence capable of elevating a top-tier side.
