Along with the addition of a new striker, Arsenal are determined to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, hoping to reunite him with Mikel Merino at the Emirates Stadium.
Both Jorginho and Thomas Partey are out of contract at Arsenal this summer, and there’s currently no sign of either midfielder sticking around.
If both leave, Mikel Arteta’s midfield would be short of options even if the likes of Albert Sambi Lokonga will return from loan – something of a forgotten name in N17 these days.
Surprisingly, Atletico Madrid want Lokonga, meaning Arsenal’s midfield clear out could be rather significant.
And as a result, it’s clear to see why the Arsenal are desperate to land Zubimendi’s signature, a Spaniard who’s regarded as one of the best number sixes in world football.
Real Madrid are stepping up their Martin Zubimendi efforts
Unfortunately for Arsenal, Spanish outlet AS are now reporting that Real Madrid are stepping up their own efforts to sign Zubimendi in a few months time.
Real had representatives in Rotterdam over the weekend to watch Spain’s draw with the Netherlands and they were keeping an eye on Zubimendi and Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen in particular.
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Mikel Merino scored Spain’s late equaliser in the 2-2 draw, a match that Zubimendi and Huijsen both played a significant role in.
Zubimendi played 90 minutes whereas Huijsen came on as a substitute for Barcelona’s Pau Cubarsi who was injured in the first half.
According to the report, Real are considering a move for Zubimendi – one of their midfield targets alongside Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha.
Although, Zubimendi is seen as attainable for interested clubs this summer, unlike Vitinha who is strictly off-limits at PSG.
Andrea Berta can prove himself immediately with Martin Zubimendi deal
That being said, AS do mention that Arsenal are ‘well advanced’ in their own negotiations for the Spanish star, even if Real’s interest won’t be welcome from the Gunners’ perspective.
Some Arsenal staff think they’ve signed Zubimendi already according to reports, but any complacency could be dangerous on this evidence.
The Real Sociedad midfielder is thought to finally be ready to leave his boyhood club this summer, and perhaps Arteta’s own San-Sebastian routes have helped convince Zubimendi about a move to Arsenal.
But to use a common phrase in football these days – Real’s knock might prove to be different.
Once he’s appointed as Arsenal’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta will surely attempt to conclude a deal for Zubimendi as soon as possible.
But perhaps Arsenal might even try to sign Bruno Guimaraes beforehand.
