Arsenal are expected to have a very busy summer transfer window.
The Gunners signed Mikel Merino, Riccardo Calafiori and David Raya on permanent deals last summer, while Raheem Sterling and Neto were brought in on loan.
Those arrivals have not helped Arsenal dominate the Premier League this season, and the fact that they did not sign anyone in January either increases the need for new names in the summer.
The priority is a new striker for Mikel Arteta’s side, but with Thomas Partey and Jorginho potentially leaving, reinforcements in midfield are a necessity too.
There is now an update on one Arsenal midfield target.
David Ornstein shares Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal transfer update
Martin Zubimendi has been a target for Arsenal for a long, long time.
The Spaniard is one of the most appreciated midfielders in Europe. Several big clubs want to sign him, and many have tried and failed in the past as well.
Liverpool famously got rejected by Zubimendi last summer, but multiple reports over the last two months have suggested that Arsenal have won the race for signature.
Many in the industry feel that the Spaniard will be heading to the Emirates this summer, and David Ornstein has now revealed that people inside the club believe the same too.
The journalist said in a Q&A on The Athletic: “As far as we know, Martin Zubimendi is at a very advanced stage and the anticipation inside Arsenal is that he’s coming in.
“If that gets completed, it’s a significant financial outlay.”
Zubimendi’s release clause is set at £50.5 million, but Arsenal could offer more in order to secure favourable payment terms.
Xavi’s comments on Zubimendi explain why Arsenal want to sign him
Zubimendi didn’t have the greatest game against Manchester United in the Europa League this week.
The Spaniard ended up on the losing side and crashed out of the competition. Arsenal fans were concerned that Zubimendi is not good enough, but they shouldn’t worry too much.
Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez, who was one of the greatest midfielders world football has ever seen, has publicly raved about Zubimendi in the past and hailed his ability in and out of possession.
Xavi said in May 2023, as per Mundo Deportivo: “Zubimendi is an extraordinary defensive midfielder, he understands the model we like at Barca, he dominates with and without the ball.”
Arsenal already have Declan Rice who dominates all phases of play. Adding Zubimendi into the mix should make them a lot stronger than they already are.