According to respected journalist Ben Jacobs, Arsenal could try again to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi during the next transfer window.
The London heavyweights have been long-time admirers of the Spanish international but have been unable to convince him to leave Sociedad. speaking to Givemesport, Jacobs He said that Arsenal could try again to sign Zubimendi, who could be seen as an ideal partner for Declan Rice in the heart of the midfield.
He said: “We'll wait and see what they decide to do on the Arsenal front, but nothing is advanced at the moment. I think, in terms of Arsenal's midfield, a lot of the targets they will consider are long-standing. Particularly Martín Zubimendi, who, again, if they define (Declan) Rice in a way that complements the signing of Zubimendi, it could be something they could try again.”
difficult movement
Arsenal have been linked with Zubimendi on countless occasions over the last two years, but the Spaniard has shown no desire to leave Sociedad. The midfielder made it clear last summer that he wanted to play Champions League football with the La Liga team.
Sociedad have not qualified for Europe's elite club competition next season but there is no indication from the player that he will be able to move forward. In fact, it has been reported that Zubimendi prefer to continue his career in the Spanish top flight.
The Gunners could still try to land the 25-year-old, who has been described as “world class' by Kieran Tierney. However, they should not be dragged into a transfer saga and should focus elsewhere if he does not change his stance.
Manager Mikel Arteta admires himbut there are several other candidates who could do better in the first division. If Arsenal are eyeing an emerging talent, Benfica's Joao Neves could be an option. He has the ball at his feet better than Zubimendi and he has stood out in winning tackles and duels.
In fact, Arsenal have already started looking at him as an alternative, but it won't come cheap. Benfica are reluctant to part ways with the wonderkid unless they receive a package of around £85m this summer.
The transfer figure is not out of reach for the Gunners, but they also need to spend big on a new striker. A deal for the youngster could therefore depend on whether Benfica are willing to accept a long-term payment plan.
