Arsenal are expected to strengthen their midfield in the summer transfer window.
Mikel Arteta has done a phenomenal job at the Emirates and has helped the Gunners finish second in two consecutive seasons.
The next step would be to go all the way in the Premier League title race, and Arsenal need to sign a new midfielder to raise the level of their squad.
The latest on Bruno Guimaraes and Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal links
Arsenal will be very short of options in midfield unless they strengthen their squad this summer.
Declan Rice is the mainstay in the middle of the park, while Jorginho signed a new contract recently which means he will be available too.
However, Mohamed Elneny will leave the club as a free agent, while Thomas Partey and Albert Sambi Lokonga could be sold.
That’s the reason why Arsenal have been linked with a number of midfielders ahead of the summer transfer window – Bruno Guimaraes and Martin Zubimendi are two of them.
Arsenal sources have claimed that the Gunners believe they can sign the Newcastle United man for a fee less than his release clause of £100 million.
As for Zubimendi, reports claimed in April that Arsenal are the ‘great favourites’ to sign the £52 million Real Sociedad midfielder this summer.
Now, Ben Jacobs has shared an update on the situation.
The journalist has revealed that Arsenal will only consider a move for Guimaraes if his price drops – they have no plans of triggering his release clause. That’s why Zubimendi is regarded as a ‘more concrete possibility’ this summer.
Jacobs tweeted: “Manchester City are still exploring a move for Bruno Guimarães having made contact with the player’s camp. Guimarães has a £100m release clause valid only until the final week in June.
“Arsenal have no plans to trigger the clause. They will only consider a move if the price drops. Martin Zubimendi remains a more concrete possibility.”
READ MORE: What actually happened between Arsenal and Bruno Guimaraes in 2022
Arsenal need to make one key decision before choosing Zubimendi or Guimaraes
Zubimendi and Guimaraes are both tremendous footballers.
The Spaniard is one of the best defensive midfielders in La Liga, while the Newcastle United star has taken the Magpies to a whole new level since he joined them.
Arsenal are right to target both of them, but Arteta has to decide one thing before he pursues a move – does he want a number six or an eight?
If the Gunners manager is looking for a defensive midfield, Zubimendi is the guy, but Guimaraes is considerably better as a left-sided number eight.
It will be interesting to see who Arsenal will go for but with Rice and Jorginho both available to play in the number six role, we think Guimaraes would be the better fit.