Arsenal-based journalist Charles Watts thinks the Gunners could sign Amadou Onana over long-term midfield target Martin Zubimendi.
According to Charles Watts on Caught Offside, Arsenal are more likely to sign Amadou Onana than Martin Zubimendi. The Gunners hold an interest in either midfielder, as Mikel Arteta could make a critical decision on at least one of those or even chase someone else altogether.
Amadou Onana over Martin Zubimendi for Arsenal?
Arsena-based journalist Charles Watts insists the Gunners could sign Amadou Onana over Martin Zubimendi as he gave his thoughts on the midfielder’s pursuit. He emphasised several issues with signing the Real Sociedad, one of which was the most important one, circling the midfielder’s possible desire to stay put with the Spanish side.
Watts said, “I do expect Arsenal to sign a midfielder this summer, but a lot will depend on what happens with the midfielders they currently have,”
“Ideally, they would like Jorginho to stay, but then they have to sort out Thomas Partey’s future. Partey still has a year left on his deal and, just like last summer, Arsenal would not stand in his way of leaving should a decent offer arrive for the Ghana international.”
“Should that happen, then they would have to replace him. Martin Zubimendi is a player who can play the Partey role. Mikel Arteta knows Zubimendi well and is a big admirer of the Spain international, but there is uncertainty about whether he actually wants to leave Real Sociedad. There is also expected to be strong rival interest in the 25-year-old, so it might not be an easy deal to get done.
“Everton’s Amadou Onana could be one to watch out for. There were a lot of links with him in January. Again, I was told at the time that there was nothing concrete in that speculation, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he is someone Arsenal look at when the season ends.”
Arsenal does have a firm interest in making changes to their midfield, particularly as Mikel Arteta is looking for new additions to replace some existing ones. Thomas Partey has not proved himself fitness-wise, while Jorginho could be phased out amid his expiring contract with the Emirates.
Amadou Onana is the rising star of the Premier League and has already had two seasons of experience in England. Zubimendi, on the other hand, has been sensational for Real Sociedad over the years and played a crucial role in their rise in recent campaigns.
However, stylistically, Onana and Zubimendi both fit the criteria for Arteta, although, as Watts suggests, the price and availability are two essential aspects of any transfer. In the case of the Premier League ace, he might want to leave Everton compared to the 60 million-rated midfielder, who may still feel the need to remain at Real Sociedad.
Arsenal’s other midfield choices
There have been a lot of chatter surrounding new midfielders at Arsenal with Onana, Zubimendi and even Frenkie De Jong linked at some stage. However, there are a few other names for Arteta to consider, including Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz.
The Brazilian might also feel the need for a bigger club, especially should Aston Villa fail to qualify for the Champions League. His price tag is the biggest issue and probably makes him the most expensive among the lot Arsenal are chasing.
