Questions have been raised over Arsenal’s midfield options after a poor run of results in recent weeks, and the January window may provide an opportunity to strengthen the position.
Arsenal were particularly poor in their defeat to Fulham on Sunday, as they struggled to create chances and failed to control the game in the middle unlike in previous defeats.
Declan Rice has been outstanding since his arrival at Arsenal, whilst Kai Havertz has been hot and cold after initially struggling to make an impact.
Mikel Arteta may now be keen on another option in midfield, with Thomas Partey also struggling with injury, and Douglas Luiz has been linked, but the Aston Villa star appears to be unattainable.
It has now emerged that Arteta is still keen on Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.
Mikel Arteta keen on Martin Zubimendi deal
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, journalist Dean Jones revealed that Arteta is a driving force behind Arsenal’s interest in the Spanish midfielder.
“There’s definitely some serious interest in it. It’s hard to gauge at the moment what their ranking would be in terms of order of targets because you’ve got a few names that they’re looking at and the type of player is clearly that defensive-minded one,” he claimed.
“The guy that is going to keep possession, break up play. But it’s really tough to know whether Zubimendi is going to be a top target or just a target.
Arsenal’s January budget may be limited as a result of financial fair play limitations, and this will certainly play a part in any potential deal.
“It also depends, of course, on how much money they have to invest in that area of the field. It’s a player that definitely I know that Mikel Arteta really admires and I think a lot of this is led by him.”
Could Arsenal sign Martin Zubimendi?
Previous indications were that Zubimendi was ready to reject all interest and stay at Real Sociedad, despite both Arsenal and Barcelona being keen on the 24-year-old.
Zubimendi has a £53m release clause, meaning that if Arsenal were able to afford the fee upfront, they would simply have to convince the player to make the move.
With Real Sociedad also in the Champions League knockout stages, it seems highly unlikely that he would agree to a move in the middle of the season, and unless Arsenal make major sales, they will not be able to afford his fee.
However, a summer move could still be on the cards if Zubimendi is keen on a new challenge at the end of the season, but this would all come down to player preference if the clause is still active in six months.
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