Arsenal are showing an interest in Martin Zubimendi ahead of the January window after watching the Real Sociedad star in a recent game.
According to 90min, Arsenal are keen on Martin Zubimendi ahead of the January transfer window. The Gunners had sent scouts to watch the Spanish international, valued at €50 million, in action when Real Sociedad played Benfica in the Champions League. Mikel Arteta wants a new midfielder in the next window.
Arsenal are in a formidable run of form in the Premier League and Champions League. But Mikel Arteta will look to strengthen his squad in January. The Gunners had earlier thought seriously about signing players that would help their cause in challenging for titles.
Earlier, it was widely reported that Arsenal were keen on signing a centre-forward. But with limited finances in their coffers, the Gunners might change those plans. Now, Thomas Partey suffering persistent injuries, the Spaniard may switch his attention toward signing a new midfielder over a striker.
Partey is considered a key star for the side, but his constant absence means Arteta cannot count on him anymore. The Arsenal manager is also considering a long-term succession plan for the Ghanaian international and could begin his midfield rebuild from this January window.
Ideally, the Spanish boss would like a left-eight, as he could consistently use Declan Rice in his favoured No.6 position. With Partey, he wants to play the former West Ham star in that eight position, as Arteta would like a progressive player who also likes to defend.
He has widely used Kai Havertz in that role, and the German has played well. But there are question marks about ball progression from that position. Now, there are re-emerging links to Martin Zubimendi, a player Arsenal had links to in the previous windows.
Arsenal may have thought about Douglas Luiz. But now, they are unlikely to sign him in January owing to a considerable asking price and Aston Villa’s eagerness to offer him a new deal. Hence, with the shortage of options in the market, Arteta might revisit his interest in Zubimendi, as Arsenal scouts were present to watch the €50 million-rated Spanish international in action against Benfica.
Real Sociedad are having a good season and may not want to lose him. But a release clause in the €50 million-rated Spanish international’s contract means their hands are tied. Many clubs are keen on Zubimendi, but Arsenal’s interest could appeal differently to the Spaniard.
The Gunners had long planned on making a 2024 move for the player, and now, they could accelerate their efforts in January. At the price mentioned in the report, it should be a straightforward deal for the Gunners and quite doable if the player agrees on a move.
