Arsenal are preparing for a busy January transfer window, though it will be one without a clear sporting director in charge.
It comes after Edu Gaspar’s shock Arsenal resignation, with the former-player-turned-director deciding to call an end to his second spell at the club.
The search for a new sporting director is on, though it’s one that the Gunners are hoping to make the right decision on, rather than a quick one.
That does mean, however, that Arsenal will have to navigate the winter window without a replacement secured for the role – with Jason Ayto taking over as interim.
One man linked with the sporting director job at Arsenal is Roberto Olabe, with the Real Sociedad director revealing his intention to step down.
That could work as an opening for the north London outfit, though he may not be the only one to make a switch from Sociedad if so.
Martin Zubimendi release clause revealed amid Arsenal transfer links
Arsenal are eyeing a transfer for Martin Zubimendi, according to recent reports, with the Spanish international gaining plenty of suitors.
His impressive performances for Real Sociedad and Spain have seen lots of interest, with Liverpool and Man City also eyeing a deal for Zubimendi.
It’s a transfer that could be the difference between the sides this season as well as in the seasons to come, given his quality.
That interest may only be ramped up as Olabe revealed a release clause for the star in an interview via Estadio Deportivo.
He said: “Zubimendi has a release clause, yes… but it’s always the player to decide and he’s been showing how committed he is to our project.”
“So far,” Olabe continued. “We’ve seen how he has behaved and I don’t predict any ‘scares’ in January for Zubimendi to leave.”
It suggests that a deal could be easily completed in January when it comes to transfer fees, however getting Martin Zubimendi on board is a different story.
Liverpool tried their hardest to land the 25-year-old in the summer, but his intention to stay underlines the true challenge of the transfer.
How good is Martin Zubimendi?
One of the main questions for those who don’t watch La Liga very often is just how good Zubimendi really is.
Across all competitions this season, he has played 21 times, scoring once and assisting twice so far for his side.
| Appearances | 21 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Assists | 2 |
His strength isn’t in the scoring and assisting though, but rather the build-up play that allows the side to construct their attacks.
Zubimendi is good at receiving the ball from the backline, before facing forward and picking the right pass after.
Given how Declan Rice struggles to perform this task more than others, similar to Thomas Partey, and the other midfielders are better in a more advanced position, it’s a role that would suit Arsenal.
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