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Arsenal intensifying efforts to sign Martin Zubimendi

By Ritayan Chatterjee on March 24, 2023

Arsenal are reportedly ready to accelerate their efforts to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the upcoming summer window, as per the Spanish outlet Fichajes.

With the Gunners set to qualify for the Champions League next season, Mikel Arteta’s side are looking to construct a squad that would be capable of challenging on all fronts going forward.

They have reportedly identified midfield as an area that needs investment in the summer so despite signing Jorginho this winter, they have been exploring the possibility of purchasing a new younger player to strengthen the engine room.

It has widely been suggested that Declan Rice is the north London club’s primary target and they have already opened negotiations over a potential summer deal for him. However, it appears Zubimendi is also on their radar.

According to the report by Fichajes, Mikel Arteta is keen on luring his compatriot to the Emirates Stadium this summer and he has already asked the Arsenal recruitment team to make this deal happen.

Zubimendi to Arsenal

The report further claims that Arsenal are ready to pay the midfielder’s £53m release clause to sign him at the end of this season. However, the north London club are set to face tough competition from Barcelona in getting any potential deal done for Zubimendi. But the Catalan giants’ financial difficulties could give Arteta’s side an edge over Xavi Hernandez’s side in this race.

The 24-year-old is a defensive midfielder but can also play in the number eight role. He is good in the air, is excellent in defensive contributions and also can dictate the game from the deep. The Spaniard has already showcased his talent during his time in a top league like La Liga.

So, the midfielder could be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal and he would be able to support both Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka if he were to move to the Emirates Stadium.

However, with Rice – who is likely to cost around £75m – seemingly the Gunners’ top target, Zubimendi could be the cheaper alternative that Arteta’s side are lining up if they fail to secure the West Ham man’s signature this summer. So, it is going to be interesting to see who Arsenal end up signing this summer to bolster their engine room for next season.