Arsenal could be set for a busy summer transfer window as the Gunners continue to be linked with a whole host of signings.
Mikel Arteta is tasked with picking his squad up and going again after missing out on the Premier League title to Manchester City on the final day of the season.
The Arsenal manager brought them closer this time around, but there appears to be fine margins between winning the title or missing out.
Those margins, while fine, are expensive when it comes to the transfer market as improvements are required.
A striker has been on the agenda so far, with Benjamin Sesko one of the options linked with a move to Arsenal.
However, beyond the centre-forward role, there have been links surrounding another potential midfield incoming.
Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal transfer hope
One player who has continued to be linked with Arsenal over the past year is Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The Spanish international has a release clause in his deal, though he has previously stated his desire to stay with his club.
That has led to some assumption that a transfer would be off the table, however, Arsenal may have been handed some fresh hope.
Discussing a move for Zubimendi with CaughtOffside, Fabrizio Romano claimed that a decision hasn’t been made surrounding the midfielder and a transfer this summer.
He said: “We keep hearing a lot of stories about Martin Zubimendi, who has been linked several times mostly with Arsenal and Barcelona, while some outlets are now stating that he is unlikely to leave Real Sociedad as he is happy and settled in his hometown and not looking to leave the Basque region.
“However, my understanding remains that this is not decided yet.
“Zubimendi’s future, his decision, is still not clear yet – it remains an open situation, and he has a €60million [£51million] release clause.”
That comes as a huge potential boost to Arsenal if they are looking to land the 25-year-old this summer.
Declan Rice’s “perfect” midfield partner
Should Arsenal land Zubimendi this summer, he could well become the perfect midfield partner to Declan Rice.
The England international has been caught between roles, sometimes acting as a deep-lying option and other times in a more advanced role.
Rice has often looked better playing in the latter position, able to make the most of his ball-carrying skill while possessing enough defensively to chip in when out of possession.
The biggest struggle the former West Ham star faces is receiving the ball from the backline and distributing it.
In Zubimendi, the Gunners would have the perfect deep-lying playmaker who can bring the ball out from the back while adding composure in the middle.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal will be able to convince the midfielder of a switch to the Emirates Stadium.
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