- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Arsenal are already preparing for the summer transfer window and have been sending their representatives to keep a close eye on potential targets.
HITC Football understands that Arsenal were watching Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi at the weekend.
The 25-year-old Spaniard is expected to be one of Arsenal’s top midfield targets in the summer.
HITC sources have confirmed that Mikel Arteta is ‘fascinated’ by Zubimendi and is a ‘big fan’ of Sociedad’s number four.
Arsenal watched midfield target Zubimendi last weekend
Described by Xavi as ‘extraordinary’, Martin Zubimendi is one of the names on Arsenal’s list for the summer.
However, they are keeping a close eye on other targets, and HITC understands Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz is their other serious option.
However, if Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League it may be very difficult to convince Unai Emery’s side to sell.
Arsenal could decide to make some room in the squad in order to facilitate a move for Zubimendi and Luiz.
If Thomas Partey departs the Emirates in the summer then that would help matters, while HITC Football believes the Gunners are still considering Jorginho’s future.
The upturn in the Italian’s form means that he could extend his stay at the club as talks are ongoing.
However, much will depend on Jorginho’s demands and other offers the 32-year-old receives.
Arsenal are preparing to improve their squad regardless of Partey and Jorginho’s future and watched Zubimendi with intrigue at the weekend.
He’ll be preparing for the European Championships with Spain in the summer and potentially a switch to the Premier League.
Zubimendi could create perfect partnership with Rice and Odegaard
The pieces are falling into place for Mikel Arteta’s young squad and their work in the transfer window last summer is already paying off.
Declan Rice has been sensational, David Raya’s position in goal is no longer being questioned and even Kai Havertz is beginning to find his feet.
It will be interesting to see how Jurrien Timber fits into the team once he’s fully fit after recently returning to training.
Zubimendi would complement Rice brilliantly, with both players capable of sitting in front of the defence if needed or popping up to link play in the final third.
He also gets forward occasionally too, scoring all four of his league goals from inside the box.
Zubimendi didn’t have his best game against Sevilla as Arsenal’s representatives watched on.
Arsenal representatives didn’t see the best of Zubimendi
His side lost 3-2 to Sevilla and he was substituted after 73 minutes, but he didn’t have the worst game.
Sociedad dominated possession and Zubimendi completed 56 of his 66 passes, although his long passing was off the radar.
He played mainly on the left-hand side of midfield, in the zone Kai Havertz typically occupies in Arteta’s current set-up.
However, he sat slightly deeper than the German normally does and that may allow Declan Rice to play in a more advanced role.
Gunners representatives also took the chance to watch Kieran Tierney who continues to accumulate minutes in San Sebastian.
It will be interesting if Arsenal do end up making a move for Zubimendi, but they’ve been following him for some time and might finally get their man this summer.
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