The Nations League final gave Arsenal fans the chance to assess Martin Zubimendi, but the midfielder wasn’t the only player who generated attention.
It’s not only members of the Arsenal squad who are on June international duty that fans are watching closely.
Several of the Gunners’ transfer targets are with their national teams, and in the Nations League final, one player had supporters talking.
Zubimendi is expected to join Arsenal after a lengthy transfer saga, and fans are already impressed as the midfielder scored for Spain in the final against Portugal.
Though Spain lost, Zubimendi showed Arsenal what they’re getting, putting on an admirable display to have those in N5 drooling.
Attention was expectedly on the Real Sociedad star, but he wasn’t the only one to be forced under the spotlight on social media.
Arsenal fans were amazed by Rafael Leao in the Nations League final
Arsenal target Nico Williams was on show for Spain, as the winger played 92 minutes of the final.
The 22-year-old attempted to influence things, but he wasn’t able to as much as another player on the pitch.
When Rafael Leao was introduced in the 74th minute, Portugal were handed a new lease of life, and it wasn’t only Roberto Martinez’s side that were dazzled by the AC Milan forward’s display.
Leao is on Andrea Berta’s transfer shortlist, which will please Arsenal fans, who were in awe of the 25-year-old.
“Rodrygo’s great but I’m sorry, he’s not Leao level. This is different level of quality we’re talking. One man 1v1 machine. He can carry you from your own half to the opposition box by himself.”
Praise of the winger came flooding in, as one Arsenal supporter said, “Leao is INSANE.”
“You can’t be watching Martinelli and not take Leao,” another insisted, comparing the Portuguese star to Mikel Arteta’s current options on the left side.
Arsenal have been linked to Rodrygo of Real Madrid, but some fans believe Leao would be a better option.
“I’d take Leao before Rodrygo at Arsenal,” one said, as another agreed, “If Arsenal can’t pull off Rodrygo and Nico Williams is still happy to stay at Bilbao, I hope we consider Rafael Leao. So much talent there.”
Arsenal are aware of Leao’s price tag, with Milan valuing their prized asset at £84m.
Though fans are completely convinced, it’s understood that some at Arsenal have reservations about Leao, but supporters have turned a blind eye to such after watching the Nations League final.
“Leao having a field day. @Arsenal @m8arteta he’s available… #14,” one Gooner said, tagging both the club and the manager.
Others have already started imagining the winger at the Emirates.
“Leao x Lewis-Skelly left side,” a fan said, an opinion that another admirer of Leao echoed.
“Rafael Leao is the kind of winger Arsenal needs on the left. Potent dribbler. Uses his technique and agility to win 1v1s. Our left wing needs that.”
How Leao charmed Arsenal fans
It’s no surprise that Arsenal supporters were fixated on Leao, as the winger is everything that the Gunners have been missing on the left side.
The 25-year-old’s tireless energy, pace and skilful edge made the difference, as he taunted Spain’s defence whenever on the ball.
| Rafael Leao highlights in the Nations League final |
| 46 minutes played |
| 4 attempted dribbles |
| 7 duel wins |
| 6 fouls drawn |
This was highlighted by his numbers, as in only 46 minutes on the pitch, Leao was fouled as many as six times, emphasising that the Spaniards just couldn’t live with his threat.
Leao’s talent has never been questioned, but his consistency has, which is why it appears unlikely that the Gunners will hone in on his services this summer.
Still, that won’t take away from how some Arsenal fans felt about the winger’s performance, in what was a silverware-winning display worth shouting about.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
