One of Mikel Arteta’s key summer transfer targets has just rejected a move to Arsenal.
The Gunners are expected to be very active in the upcoming transfer window after missing out on the Premier League title again to Manchester City.
Arteta will want to strengthen multiple areas of the pitch, and he has already identified his targets.
One of them does not fancy a move to Arsenal this summer.
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi makes decision on his future
Arsenal have been linked with a move to sign Martin Zubimendi for a long time.
The Gunners need reinforcements in midfield this summer. Only Declan Rice and Jorginho are guaranteed to stay – Mohamed Elneny has announced his departure, while Thomas Partey could leave too.
Arteta is keen to sign a new midfielder, and reports claimed in April that Arsenal are the ‘great favourites’ to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
The Spaniard was viewed by many as the perfect fit in Arteta’s system, and Arsenal’s staff were fully behind signing Zubimendi this summer.
However, Spanish outlet Sport share some bad news for fans of the Emirates Stadium club.
The report claims that Zubimendi has ruled out the possibility of signing for Arsenal, who were ready to trigger his £51 million release clause.
Arteta and Edu believe the midfielder will only leave Real Sociedad to sign for either Barcelona or Real Madrid this summer.
That complicates things for Arsenal as Arteta really wanted to sign Zubimendi.
READ MORE: What Real Sociedad’s manager has said about Martin Zubimendi amid Arsenal links
Arsenal turn attention to four midfielders after Zubimendi blow
Zubimendi would’ve been a great option for Arsenal, but the Gunners have to look elsewhere now.
Arteta needs to decide whether he wants a defensive midfielder who would allow Declan Rice to push forward or a left-sided number-eight.
The report, after revealing that Zubimendi has rejected Arsenal, has named the four midfielders Arsenal are thinking about signing.
They are Benfica’s Joao Neves, Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes, Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz and also Everton’s Belgian powerhouse Amadou Onana.
It will be interesting to see who Arteta will pick among the above.