With sporting director Edu and the rest of the hierarchy making no secret of their lofty transfer ambitions ahead of this summer, the latest piece of Arsenal transfer news sees them linked with Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi.
Arsenal Transfer News
Priority target Declan Rice is widely expected to make the hop across London this summer, with this season’s runners-up Arsenal reportedly preparing an early bid next month in order to, one, avoid a bidding war, and two, make a serious statement of intent for the rest of the window.
That deal, expected to cost anywhere between £90m and West Ham’s £120m evaluation, will inevitably make up the bulk of their budget for the summer.
However, a mass exodus of fringe players that will likely see Kieran Tierney, Rob Holding, Nicolas Pepe, Granit Xhaka and Reiss Nelson exit the club may leave them with a sizeable surplus to work with.
Aside from bolstering the defence with another versatile full back or central operator, the club are keen to add at least two names to their midfield this summer.
Loyal servant Xhaka appears to be on the cusp of completing a move away, while Thomas Partey’s persistent injury problems, coupled with his 30th birthday next month, means the Gunners are turning their attention towards a variety of different personnel.
Martin Zubimendi Highlights 🎥pic.twitter.com/XwrAPGsCyM
— 𝟏𝟖 🧃 (@guywholovebarca) May 14, 2023
Moises Caicedo was the subject of a £70m bid from Arsenal in January and he is thought to be a key target once again, while Chelsea’s Mason Mount and Manchester City’s Premier League winning captain Ilkay Gundogan have also been shortlisted.
Reports today also suggest that Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi is among the list of desired names. The 24-year-old is Xavi’s first choice to replace outgoing captain Sergio Busquets at Barcelona this summer, but the club’s ambiguous financial position may leave them trailing when other clubs enter the race.
Undoubtedly the heir to Busquets, he has been the equilibrium in Sociedad’s hugely successful La Liga season – his poise, presence and graceful balleting across the turf is largely achieved without exertion.
At a rumoured price of £60m, he would certainly not come cheap, but there is an acceptance among the Arsenal’s senior figures that a significant sum must be spent this summer in order to consolidate their new-found title ambitions, while also competing in the Champions League for the first time in six years.
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