In a dramatic twist that has sent shockwaves through the football world, Dutch midfielder Tijjani Reijnders was reportedly on the brink of joining Arsenal, only for a last-minute call from Manchester City to upend the transfer saga entirely. The developments, unfolding on June 12, 2025, at 03:21 PM +07, have left fans and pundits reeling as the summer transfer window reaches its climax. This unexpected turn of events has not only altered Reijnders’ future but also intensified the rivalry between two of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.
Reijnders, the 26-year-old AC Milan star who shone with 15 goals and numerous assists in the 2024/25 Serie A season, had been heavily linked with Arsenal in recent weeks. The Gunners, under Mikel Arteta, were eager to bolster their midfield following a strong but trophyless campaign, and Reijnders’ versatility and attacking flair made him a prime target. Reports suggested that personal terms had been agreed, and a medical was scheduled for June 11, with Arsenal preparing a deal worth around €50 million. The move seemed all but confirmed, with Arsenal fans already celebrating the prospect of the Dutchman partnering Declan Rice in midfield.
However, the narrative shifted dramatically when Manchester City entered the fray. Sources indicate that Pep Guardiola personally intervened with a phone call to Reijnders’ representatives late on June 11, offering a more lucrative package and the promise of playing under one of football’s greatest tacticians. City, who had already spent heavily this summer with signings like Rayan Cherki and Rayan Ait-Nouri, saw Reijnders as the ideal replacement for the departing Kevin De Bruyne. The call reportedly included assurances of a starting role and a contract worth £200,000 per week, swaying Reijnders from his Arsenal commitment. By the morning of June 12, AC Milan confirmed they had accepted a £55 million bid from City, including add-ons, effectively ending Arsenal’s pursuit.
The speed of City’s move has left Arsenal stunned, with some insiders suggesting the Gunners were blindsided by the hijack. Social media erupted, with #ReijndersToCity trending as fans debated the transfer. An Arsenal supporter posted, “Gutted—thought we had him locked,” while a City fan countered, “Pep works miracles again!” The rivalry between the two clubs, already fierce after City’s recent dominance, has been reignited, with Arsenal now scrambling to find alternative targets.
Reijnders’ decision reflects the allure of Guardiola’s project at City, where he joins a squad preparing for the FIFA Club World Cup later this month. His agent confirmed, “Tijjani was impressed by Pep’s vision and the chance to compete at the highest level.” For Arsenal, the loss is a blow, though they may pivot to other midfield options like Florian Wirtz or Benjamin Sesko, both of whom have been linked with moves this window.
This saga underscores the cutthroat nature of modern transfers, where timing and personal persuasion can override months of negotiation. As Reijnders prepares to don the City blue, the football world watches to see if this move will pay dividends or if Arsenal’s missed opportunity will haunt them in the 2025/26 season. One thing is certain: this dramatic switch has changed the transfer landscape overnight.
