Arsenal remain confident of securing the signing of Martin Zubimendi this summer, although they’re aware that they’ll face competition for his signature, Arsenal Insider sources understand.
The Spanish midfielder is enjoying another impressive season at Real Sociedad, starting 23 of the Basque club’s La Liga games, and subsequently attracting interest from a number of top clubs.
Reports have suggested that Zubimendi is very likely to sign for Arsenal in the summer, with the Gunners planning to trigger his £51 million release clause.
However, the deal isn’t simply a formality, and the North London outfit are making plans for the potential scenario in which they don’t land their primary midfield target.
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Arsenal’s stance on Martin Zubimendi transfer
News broke in early January that Arsenal were almost certain to sign Zubimendi in the summer.
Arsenal are said to have agreed personal terms with the 26-year-old, meaning all that is preventing the deal from not materialising is a failed medical, with the release clause meaning the Emirates hierarchy won’t have to negotiate with Sociedad.
However, TBR Football’s transfer expert Graeme Bailey told Arsenal Insider that Arsenal are looking at alternatives to Zubimendi, in case they can’t secure the Euro 2024 winner.
“Arsenal want Zubimendi, we know that,” he said.
“He is the top choice for them and talks have been ongoing since January,
“However, I would say that whilst confident, Arsenal are not naive and realise that there is other interest in him.
“With that, there is a continual assessment of talent across the board and midfield is no different, and I am told one player who has stood out to them this season is Pablo Barrios – Atletico Madrid’s outstanding young talent.
“He really is a gem of a player and let’s not forget Arsenal have raided Atletico for a midfielder before in the shape of Thomas Partey – who ironically could very well be leaving this summer and making room in midfield for another new name.”
While Arsenal fans will be disappointed to hear that Zubimendi isn’t yet a done deal, and could easily not come to fruition, the Gunners faithful will be relieved that the club aren’t putting all their eggs in one basket.
Who is Arsenal target Pablo Barrios?
Developing through Real Madrid’s youth system, Pablo Barrios completed a switch to Atletico Madrid in 2017, at the age of 14.
Breaking into Atleti’s first team in the 2022/23 season, the now 21-year-old has become a prominent figure at the Metropolitano stadium under Diego Simeone.
Making almost 100 appearances for the Spanish giants already, despite only turning 21 last June, Barrios is one of the mostly highly-rated young midfielders in Europe.
| Pablo Barrios’ La Liga Statistics 2024/25 | |
| Appearances | 19 |
| Goals | 0 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Key Passes per 90 | 1.03 |
| Progressive Passes per 90 | 5.52 |
| Pass Accuracy | 85.7% |
| Tackles per 90 | 1.76 |
| Interceptions per 90 | 1.27 |
Smooth on the ball, capable of carrying it beyond lines of pressure and passing with composure and conviction, the Spain international would fit into Mikel Arteta’s system perfectly.
However, the youngster is still very raw and would need time to develop in N5, particularly amidst the intensity of the Premier League.
For this reason, Zubimendi would be the more astute acquisition if Arsenal can get the deal over the line.
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