Adrian Clarke has suggested to Arsenal to sign a £50m-rated midfielder this summer dubbed the ‘younger version of Jorginho’.
Mikel Arteta is expected to go big on signing a new midfielder in the coming months, with reports suggesting that a no. 6 to play alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard will be prioritised by Arsenal.
With Thomas Partey reportedly wanted by Galatasaray and Mohamed Elneny expected to leave at the end of his contract, Arsenal’s midfield is in need of an overhaul, with Albert Sambi Lokonga likely to be sold after a good year out on loan at Luton Town.
And it appears that one player is a target for Arteta this summer.
Arsenal urged to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi
Speaking on the Handbrake Off podcast, former Arsenal star Clarke noted how the Gunners need to be in the market to sign a younger version of Jorginho, with Martin Zubimendi highlighted as a potential option.
The Real Sociedad star, who could cost as much as £50m, has been strongly linked with a move to Arsenal in recent weeks, and the La Liga maestro could be perfect for what Arteta is looking for in a midfield signing.
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Clarke said: “I think we can spend £50m+ on a central midfielder this summer, whether that’s someone in the mold of Douglas Luiz, Zubimendi of Real Sociedad has also been linked, someone like that.
“Zubimendi I think would be that younger version of Jorginho, someone who can win it back, gives it, keeps things ticking over, gets around the pitch superbly, I think that’s the sort of player we need.”
Arsenal could have their long-term Jorginho replacement signed in Zubimendi
With Sociedad making it to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League this season in part to Zubimendi’s influence in the midfield, it’s no real surprise that the 25-year-old is a target for Arsenal.
And as a replacement for Jorginho, Arsenal might not find anyone better in the European market than the Spanish international, who could be a dream fit for Arteta in his midfield for next season.
With a set release clause, signing Zubimendi could be an easy enough job for Arsenal if they move quick enough, with the midfielder someone who Arteta clearly rates as a future signing.
