Arsenal are ‘genuinely’ interested in signing Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, as per the transfer insider Dean Jones.
It has been reported that the Gunners want to sign a new midfielder as a potential replacement for Thomas Partey – who has been struggling with fitness issues in recent times – in this winter window.
However, Mikel Arteta’s side reportedly can’t afford to spend big this month due to FFP regulations having splashed over £200m last summer. So, it appears the North London club will now have to wait until the next summer to add more firepower to their engine room.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones has reported that Arsenal have been showing ‘concrete’ interest in signing Zubimendi after identifying him as a ‘hot target’.
The journalist further claims that although Arsenal have other names on their wish-list, Zubimendi is considered a ‘very desirable’ option by Arteta.
So, Jones states that Arsenal could ‘definitely’ look to sign the 24-year-old in the upcoming summer window to reinforce their engine room.
Zubimendi to Arsenal
Jones said:
“The links for Zubimendi are 100% concrete as far as I’m concerned. I’ve had it on good authority that he genuinely is a hot target for the summer window.
“Obviously, they have got other names on the list and a lot of those have been already reported. But Zubimendi, his style of play, his character and profile, it’s all very desirable to Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal recruitment team as they’re starting to look at this situation.
“So Zubimendi is definitely one to look out for, but they obviously won’t have it all their own way. They’ll have some competition.”
Zubimendi is a highly talented player and is deemed one of the best midfielders in La Liga. So, he could be a shrewd signing for Arsenal if they purchase him.
It has been suggested that Zubimendi has a £51m release clause included in his current contract so Arteta’s side will have to spend a big fee to acquire the Spaniard’s service.
Zubimendi has been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium over the last few transfer windows, however, Arsenal haven’t decided to make a concrete approach to sign him yet.
It has been suggested that Douglas Luiz is the primary option for Arteta to strengthen the midfield department. So, Arsenal could be lining up Zubimendi as an alternative option in-case they miss out on signing Luiz.