Man City respond as Arsenal and Chelsea express interest in Ruben Dias deal
Ruben Dias’ 2025/2026 season has reaffirmed why he is regarded as one of Man City’s most important defenders, with Arsenal and Chelsea believed to be among his suitors.
Throughout this campaign, he has been a regular starter in Pep Guardiola’s final season in charge when fully fit, continuing to embody his leadership and authority.
It comes alongside his extensive career at City, where he has made over 250 appearances and helped deliver the famous treble in 2023 and a number of other Premier League titles since arriving at Benfica in 2020.
Even last season, City was disrupted due to injuries, Dias still stands out, and reports have continued to place him among the most reliable defenders in this division, especially with his passing and his ability to unite his teammates under pressure.
The 29-year-old, who reportedly earns around £183,000-a-week at Eastlands, suffered a hamstring problem at the end of 25/26 which forced him to play more, but his quality is in no doubt.
Dias is about to play 80 matches for Portugal after starting all but one of his nation’s matches at the World Cup, with Roberto Martinez also considering him a cornerstone of the national team.
That consensus is a big reason why, according to TEAMtalk reporter Graeme Bailey, City have reacted strongly to renewed transfer talks involving Arsenal and Chelsea.
Man City respond as Arsenal and Chelsea express interest in Ruben Dias
Both clubs have been interested in scouting, with Chelsea in particular making an inquiry last month.
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Football FanCast verdict |
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Honesty |
Graeme Bailey is a well-known UK broadcast journalist who has worked for outlets including TEAMtalk, 90min and GRV Media, and previously spent time at Sky Sports. He is considered to be well-connected to a certain agent and club circles, but his credibility is disputed by some fans who consider his reports to be speculation. |
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Finance |
Financially, Dias’ deal will remain at the very end of the market. His £183,000-a-week wages alone create a long-term commitment worth £9m a year, with some reports putting him at around £80m, although the security of his contract at City trumps any fee. Combined, the total package is likely to exceed £120m over several seasons, making it an expensive, expensive transfer that only special, carefully planned deals can realistically support. |
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Understanding |
Dias began his senior career at Benfica, progressing through the academy before becoming a regular at the club and winning the Primeira Liga title. His leadership and defensive maturity quickly established him as one of the best young defenders in Europe. A move to City in 2020 saw him transform the defence, winning major trophies and the Premier League player of the year award in his first season. |
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Impact |
A move for Dias will improve Chelsea’s defence, adding quality organisation, leadership and Champions League experience. He would improve the game of building back and bring a winning mentality. However, his arrival at Arsenal could upset the apple cart given the number of defenders Arteta already has, and could lead to a move or two. |
However, according to Bailey, City’s position is clear: they will not entertain Dias.
Chelsea, now under the leadership of Xabi Alonso, are expected to add a star center between the links in Maxence Lacroix, but the message from the Etihad remains that Dias is not available at any price.
On Arsenal’s part, the interest sounds more like respect than necessity.
Do Arsenal really need Rúben Dias?
Mikel Arteta has already built one of the strongest defenses in the Premier League, with many options competing for positions.
William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes remain the first-choice pairing when fit, while Ben White provides flexibility in the back row.
They added a lot of depth there last summer as well, with Cristhian Mosquera, Piero Hincapie joining Riccardo Calafiori as defenders providing quality at centre-back.
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In fact, Arsenal’s defense is among the most stable in Europe, which is why the idea of pushing Dias hard feels unnecessary.
He could undoubtedly improve almost any team, but the Gunners already have a combination of youth, physicality and technical quality in a central defense that doesn’t need a major overhaul.
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Incredibly the Gunners have thrown their hat in the ring.
