Arsenal fans have been left uncertain over news that Martin Zubimendi is set to sign in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The midfielder has been a long-term target for Mikel Arteta, who is looking to change his midfield further in the markets ahead.
With Jorginho and Thomas Partey facing uncertain futures, the need to transform the centre of the pitch is still there.
With Martin Zubimendi set to transfer to Arsenal, it’s a move that should fix that problem while also adding some clear quality for right now and the future.
When it came to fan opinion though, there was a mixed reception from those who follow Arsenal on social media.
Arsenal fans react to Martin Zubimendi transfer update
With Martin Zubimendi closing on a transfer switch to Arsenal, fans were left a little mixed in their response.
The overwhelming feeling appeared to be some delight in landing a top midfielder, but disappointment that more wasn’t being done on landing a forward.
Taking to social media, one fan said: “Have to stress if we only sign Vlahovic this month, no amount of Zubimendi summer dopamine can distract from that being a disgrace. We needed a FW before Jesus and Saka were out for the season + Kai’s intangibles were affected.”
Another went on to say: “Look, we need a forward. But Zubimendi is INCREDIBLY exciting. Has a lot of knock on effect, all to be discussed. Love to see the club being proactive.”
Others were delighted the midfielder seemingly turned down Liverpool to join Arsenal, stating: “Rejected Liverpool to join Arsenal, build Zubimendi a statue.” Though the feeling on a forward remained: “Zubimendi is a brilliant signing but how about signing a striker now lads.”
Fans also took a look to the midfield ranks to see the impact that would have on the current options available.
One supporter said: “Zubimendi has to mean that we go back to the traditional double pivot. Long term admirer myself, great signing. Now an attacker in January would be lovely.”
Another simply added: “Arsenal signing Zubimendi in the summer just shows how weird Mikel Merino is as a signing.”
With the move set to go ahead, there will be some hope that Zubimendi can show exactly why the pursuit for him was made early.
However, the problem of a forward still remains on the radar for Arsenal.
Arsenal must make striker move after Martin Zubimendi
While there is some understandable frustration that a midfielder has been secured first, Arsenal are displaying their skill at landing an opportunity to strengthen in the market at the right price and time.
It’s a long-term approach that looks beyond the current struggles the team are facing to their performance as a whole.
Zubimendi will add quality, but the question still remains over which forward could come in next.
The reality is that anyone eyed up for the January transfer window is unlikely to be first choice unless there are exceptional circumstances.
For that reason, a short-term deal may be better for the rest of the term before looking towards the summer and onwards.
The real challenge will surround whether Mikel Arteta and the recruitment team can nail the right signing up front.
A striker and a winger option could transform the team entirely, with plenty of big names on the list.
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