Arsenal interest in £52m target is ‘100% concrete’ as Arteta sent transfer warning

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Arsenal are keen to bring Martin Zubimendi to the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal are on the lookout for a new midfielder, and have already been credited with an interest In Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.

Sporting director Edu is thought to be willing to stump up for the Spanish ace’s £52 million release clause. 

The Gunners have been linked with a number of potential acquisitions in that part of the pitch. Amadou Onana is thought to be open to a switch to the Emirates stadium from Everton. Meanwhile, Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz has been dubbed a “dream” target. 

However, it now seems that Zubimendi is emerging as the club’s top target.

The 24-year-old has certainly impressed in La Liga, establishing himself as one of the most reliable midfielders in the Spanish top flight. He is a key player for Real Sociedad, bringing control and composure to the middle of the park.

The 4-cap Spain international is technically excellent, and is comfortable receiving the ball in tight spaces. Zubimendi has even been compared with Barcelona legend Sergio Busquets. He reads the game and passes the ball well, and looks ready to step up to the standard of the Premier League. 

How interested are Arsenal in Martin Zubimendi?

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal are desperate to give Zubimendi a chance to shine in the top flight of English football. According to journalist Dean Jones, speaking to GiveMeSport, “the links for Zubimendi are 100% concrete as far as I’m concerned. I’ve had it on good authority that he genuinely is a hot target for the summer window.”

“Obviously, they have got other names on the list and a lot of those have been already reported. But Zubimendi, his style of play, his character and profile, it’s all very desirable to Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal recruitment team as they’re starting to look at this situation.”

“So Zubimendi is definitely one to look out for, but they obviously won’t have it all their own way. They’ll have some competition.”

Arsenal are certainly due an overhaul in that part of the pitch. Thomas Partey, Jorginho, and Mohamed Elneny are all in the twilight years of their careers and face uncertain futures at the club.  Arsenal are already actively trying to move Elneny on, whilst Jorginho’s contract talks with the club have reached a “standstill.” There has been recent talk of Partey making a return to Spain.

Zubimendi could come in to form the new-look Arsenal midfield unit, alongside former West Ham United man Declan Rice. He has the capacity to form an exciting midfield trio alongside Rice and club captain Martin Odegaard. The Gunners will have to win the race for his signature first, though, which may be easier said than done, as Jones has warned.