Arsenal have been given the green light by Martin Zubimendi’s representatives to continue with making a move for the Real Sociedad midfielder, Arsenal Insider understands.
It comes as the Gunners have been heavily linked with the Spaniard as an option to bolster the ranks over the summer transfer window.
Mikel Arteta is facing the possibility of a large rework in the central positions, not least with Jorginho and Thomas Partey nearing the end of their contracts – with the pair expected to leave in the months ahead.
With that in mind, reports previously stated that Arsenal were closing in on a deal to sign Zubimendi, though it is yet to be sealed as a guaranteed switch.
Add to that recent interest from Real Madrid and there have been concerns over whether the Gunners can seal the deal.
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Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal transfer latest as Real Madrid eye deal
With Real Madrid eyeing a potential move for Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal may have to make a move to seal the transfer before Los Blancos can get involved.
The metronomic midfielder was heavily linked with Liverpool last summer but opted to stay with Real Sociedad instead.
However, the chance to move to the Emirates Stadium appears to be a very concrete possibility, as explained by TBR Football’s transfer expert Graeme Bailey.
He told Arsenal Insider: “Arsenal are working hard on the [Martin] Zubimendi deal after they opened talks again for him in January.
“They received encouragement, more than that really, they got the green light from Zubimendi’s camp to make their move.
“Arsenal also know that they are not alone in their admiration for him, Real Madrid hovering – they really like him but that is a big reason that Arsenal are trying to get this done.
“If they can get Zubimendi and [Sverre] Nypan in this summer, that would be their ideal scenario at this point when it comes to midfield.”
It certainly suggests that Arsenal are pushing hard to get Zubimendi as a done deal before Real Madrid pushes on with a move of their own.
How Arsenal’s midfield could look after summer transfer window
There could be a huge rebuild in the summer transfer window when it comes to the forward line and the midfield at Arsenal.
The Gunners know that both Partey and Jorginho are likely to leave, offering a chance to transform the department with some young additions.
Should Arsenal sign both Zubimendi and Sverre Nypan, then the midfield options could change dramatically.
| Player | Age | Positions covered |
|---|---|---|
| Martin Zubimendi | 26 | Number six |
| Declan Rice | 26 | Number six/number eight |
| Myles Lewis-Skelly | 18 | Number six/number eight |
| Mikel Merino | 28 | Number eight |
| Sverre Nypan | 18 | Number eight/number ten |
| Martin Odegaard | 26 | Number eight/number ten |
| Ethan Nwaneri | 17 | Number ten |
| Fabio Vieira | 24 | Number ten |
There could be plenty of options available in all three different midfield positions, ranging from deeper midfielders to forwards capable of playing as a playmaker.
The age ranges vary from those at the very start of their career to players entering their peak, which could make for a nice mix going forward.
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