Fabrizio Romano has shared the latest on Mikel Arteta and Arsenal’s pursuit of Martin Zubimendi.
The Gunners are expected to be on the market for a new man in the middle of the park after it was confirmed that Thomas Partey has undergone a small procedure on his thigh. He is expected to be out until the start of next year, and Zubimendi has been linked as a potential replacement.
Mikel Arteta thinks Martin Zubimendi is ‘perfect’ for Arsenal
Arsenal have been interested in Martin Zubimendi for a while now.
The Spaniard was first linked with a move to the Emirates at the start of this year. That transfer did not materialise at the time, and he stayed at Real Sociedad.
Arsenal’s interest in Zubimendi still remains, and with Thomas Partey proving to be unreliable because of his injury issues, a new midfielder is a priority in the January transfer window.
Zubimendi was linked with a move to Arsenal again a few days ago, and Fabrizio Romano has now revealed that Mikel Arteta thinks he’s perfect for his side.
He said: “Arsenal feel a bit alert in terms of midfielders, and from what I’m hearing, they’re really exploring the midfielders market. There are some players they appreciate.
“A lot of rumours about Zubimendi, it’s true that people at Arsenal really like Zubimendi and think he could be perfect, Mikel Arteta really appreciates him.
“But, from what I’m hearing, the player is very happy at Real Sociedad and he’s very happy with the opportunity to play in the last 16 of the Champions League.”
Zubimendi has a release clause
If Arsenal want to sign Zubimendi, Mikel Arteta and Edu know very well how much he will cost.
The talented Spanish midfielder has a release clause in his contract worth £53 million. If Arsenal trigger that and convince the player to make the move, he will be ours in January.
However, Zubimendi has already rejected a move to Barcelona because of his love for his boyhood club, and with Real Sociedad doing so well in the Champions League, it’s unclear if he would be willing to leave in the middle of the season.
It will be interesting to see what Arteta and Edu will do in January.
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