It seems like Martin Zubimendi will become an Arsenal player in the summer.
So much so that Real Sociedad would like Zubimendi signed by Arsenal as quickly as possible as well.
Arsenal expect to sign Zubimendi and with the Spanish international being one of Europe’s premier holding midfielders, he would be an astute addition to this Gunners side. Martin Zubimendi is a seasoned campaigner as well for both club and country and at 26, Arsenal could be signing him at the perfect age before the Sociedad technician ventures into the prime years of his career.
But Andrea Berta could have the final say when it comes to any signing that Mikel Arteta’s side make and one of the names that could be alternative to the European Championship winner is Bruno Guimaraes.
Berta personally wants to sign Guimaraes for Arsenal while Zubimendi is a target who seems to have been chosen by the likes of Edu Gaspar and Jason Ayto.
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Andrea Berta target Bruno Guimaraes would be better for Arsenal than Martin Zubimendi
The Newcastle United captain could be available for a fee ranging between £60 to £70 million, which is fair value for a player of his calibre.
While Zubimendi is undoubtedly a class player, it would perhaps be best for Arsenal to seek Andrea Berta’s advice and sign Guimaraes instead of Zubimendi.
Firstly, the Brazilian international is Premier League-proven and that would especially be a huge help for Mikel Arteta, who would like his Arsenal side to start next season on fire from day one.
Secondly, Guimaraes is more versatile than Zubimendi — with the latter being a traditional number six while the former was mainly a central or an attacking midfielder at Lyon while at Newcastle, he has mostly been a defensive midfielder and thrived.
As a result, the Carabao Cup winner would potentially be the perfect partner for Declan Rice — whether that is for the purpose of allowing him to play further forward or playing as a left-sided attacking midfielder himself.
Additionally, Zubimendi lacks Guimaraes’ physical presence — with the latter being much more imposing when it comes to contesting duels out of possession, shielding the ball away from opponents while also being able to cover ground with much more ease.
Thierry Henry called Guimaraes an “outstanding player” and Andrea Berta would agree, with his leadership at Newcastle also worth taking into account as a potential reason to go all in to sign him.
Could Arsenal sign both Bruno Guimaraes and Martin Zubimendi?
On the surface, the prospect of Arsenal signing both Guimaraes and Zubimendi seems unrealistic.
But Andrea Berta would like both Guimaraes and Zubimendi at the Emirates Stadium.
If Berta can help Arsenal get their hands on both players, Mikel Arteta could have the best midfield in the Premier League to work with at his disposal — with Rice and Martin Odegaard on their books as well.
