Fabrizio Romano claims Arsenal and Bayern Munich are in race for ‘special player’

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Fabrizio Romano has suggested that Arsenal are keen on Real Sociedad ace Martin Zubimendi.

It is no secret that Arsenal are currently on the hunt for midfield reinforcements.

Thomas Partey’s perennial injury issues mean that he cannot be relied upon to be fit and available when needed. Jorginho is coming towards the end of his career. Whilst Mohamed Elneny is something of a fan-favourite at the Emirates Stadium, he is old, injury prone, and not of the standard required in the middle of the park for a title chasing side.

As such, a midfield rebuild is surely on the horizon, and Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu will already be weighing up their options.

Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz has already been described as the manager’s “dream” signing. However, the Midlands outfit would certainly be reluctant to part with the Brazilian ace.

Luiz in not the only target in the north London club’s sights either. According to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, speaking on Kick, Arsenal are great admirers of Martin Zubimendi. However, the Gunners may well face fierce competition for the 24-year-old’s signature, as Bayern Munich and Barcelona are also keen on his services.

Should Arsenal push to sign Martin Zubimendi?

Romano says that Arsenal consider Zubimendi to be “a special player,” and it is easy to see why. The four-cap Spain international has established himself as one of the finest midfield operators in La Liga in recent seasons.

He would certainly be an excellent fit in Arteta’s system. He has the technical ability to link up well with the likes of Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz, and also has the defensive nous to support Declan Rice in his efforts to protect the back four.

One issue the Premier League side could face, though, is one of affordability. As things stand, Arsenal cannot boast much of a transfer budget. Even if Real Sociedad could be convinced to part with Zubimendi, that would likely mean that the Gunners would have to financially outmuscle Bayern Munich and Barcelona, which could prove a tall order.

A midfielder is likely not even at the top of Arteta’s shopping list, heading in the January transfer market, anyway. The injuries to Takehiro Tomiyasu and Jurrien Timber have left him light on options at the back. The manager even felt compelled to trial Rice as a centre-back against PSV on Tuesday evening due to this lack of depth. Given these factors, signing a new defender must be a priority for Arsenal this winter.