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Arsenal ‘in the front row’ to sign Zubimendi this summer

By on March 18, 2024

Martin Zubimendi Real Sociedad

Arsenal are reportedly leading the race to sign Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi this summer, as per the Italian outlet Calciomercato.

It is an open secret that the Gunners want to sign a new midfielder as a potential replacement for Thomas Partey – who has been struggling with fitness problems in recent years. Although the African has recovered from his injury at the moment, he can’t be trusted to stay fit for a whole season.

Numerous midfielders have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium ahead of the summer window with Douglas Luiz and Amadou Onana being among them but Zubimendi is reportedly on their radar as well.

According to the report by Calciomercato, Arsenal are keen on signing the Spaniard so they could make a concrete approach to purchase him this summer.

The report further claims that Real Sociedad don’t want to negotiate with any clubs and only want £51m – which is his release clause – to let him leave the club. So, the North London club will have to splash a big fee to secure his signature.

Zubimendi to Arsenal

Calciomercato states that AC Milan and Juventus are also keen on signing Zubimendi, but his £51m price tag is a huge stumbling block for the Italian clubs. So, Arsenal are currently ‘in the front row’ ahead of their rivals in this race.

After purchasing Declan Rice last summer, Mikel Arteta has deployed the former West Ham United man in the holding midfield position amid Partey’s injury absence for the majority of this term, but the Spanish boss seemingly prefers to use him in the box-to-box role.

Jorginho has helped Arteta to execute his plan in recent games as the Italian has been playing in the deep-lying playmaker position, pushing Rice to the number eight role. But, the former Chelsea star is set to turn 33 this year and isn’t a long-term option for Arsenal.

So, signing a new defensive midfielder would be the right decision and Zubimendi could be a shrewd signing as he has already showcased his qualities in La Liga in recent years.

However, it is going to be interesting to see whether the North London club can eventually manage to acquire Zubimendi’s signature this summer to reinforce their engine room.