Arsenal more likely to sign £53m star than Tchouameni after ‘internal talks’

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Arsenal are reportedly more likely to secure the services of Martin Zubimendi than Aurelien Tchouameni.

According to The Mirror, Arsenal are keen on signing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who has a release clause worth £53 million. 

As per Calcionmercato, the Gunners are also considering a move for Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni.

Now, transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, speaking to Caught Offside, has claimed that the north London club are far more likely to successfully strike a deal for Zubimendi, having held “internal talks” on potential midfield acquisitions. 

It is unsurprising to see that a new midfield operator is considered a priority by Mikel Arteta. Thomas Partey’s persistent fitness issues have left the Arsenal manager a little short on options in the middle the park.

The Ghanaian’s injuries have become a real problem for the Gunners in recent times. Many Arsenal fans are now calling for Partey to be sold in the upcoming January transfer window. 

Martin Zubimendi more likely to end up at Arsenal

Arteta would only be able to sanction such an exit, though, if a direct replacement for Partey were available. Both Zubimendi and Tchouameni could replace the 30-year-old at the Emirates Stadium.

The Real Madrid man would likely be beyond the Gunners’ financial reach, though. The Frenchman earns £206,000-a-week at the Santiago Bernabeu and plays regularly for the La Liga giants. It would take a monumental effort to prize Tchouameni away from Real Madrid any time in the near future.

As suggested by Jacobs, Zubimendi is a far more realistic target for Arsenal to pursue. The 24-year-old would also be an excellent addition to Arteta’s squad. He is tenacious, and technically excellent. He has even been likened to Barcelona great Sergio Busquets. Zubimendi has the quality to make an impact at both ends of the pitch, and would be an excellent foil for Declan Rice.