Arsenal are keen on signing a midfielder in the summer transfer window, with the limitations of their current options showing in recent weeks.
Mikel Arteta found a winning formula as Jorginho became a starter alongside Declan Rice, but with the veteran’s future unclear, a midfielder who can play at the base of a trio could become a priority.
Thomas Partey was an unused substitute against Aston Villa and Bayern Munich, and his injury struggles over the course of the season could mean he is up for sale in the summer.
Rice has been outstanding since his arrival, but there has been a struggle at times to find a perfect partner for him and Martin Odegaard, to allow the England star to play a more attacking role, and one player could be the ideal option.
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is reportedly admired by Arteta, and Arsenal now look the most likely of several interested clubs to land him this summer.
Arsenal now favourites to sign Martin Zubimendi
A report from Italian outlet TuttoJuve has now revealed that despite interest from Juventus and Bayern Munich, Arsenal are the club most likely to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
“For Zubimendi, the Bayern Munich option was abandoned, as although the German team is still interested, the midfielder was a priority to accompany Xabi Alonso, who will not eventually move to Bayer Leverkusen,” the report stated.
“It is Arsenal, at the moment the great favorite for the Spanish player, whose clause is 60 million (£52m) euros. Juventus also proved interested but not in those figures.”
Zubimendi’s release clause stands at £52m, and if he is open to a move away from Real Sociedad, then this could represent excellent value.
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Martin Zubimendi would be the perfect partner for Declan Rice
Like Rice, Zubimendi can play both at the base of midfield as well as further forward, and he could be the key to both replacing and upgrading on Jorginho.
Jorginho’s outstanding ability on the ball complements Rice well, but his physical limitations have shown in recent games.
Zubimendi would come as a player capable of progressing the ball further forward like Jorginho, whilst providing a physical presence in a similar way to Rice.
He would help get the best out of Rice, and even provide cover to allow him to rest, and should be high on the priority list for Arsenal this summer.
