Arsenal are keen on a midfield addition this summer but the Gunners are targeting the wrong player if they want to win the Premier League next season.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal once again fell short at the final hurdle in the title race after the Gunners fell to a 2-0 defeat against Unai Emery’s Aston Villa which put Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City firmly in control.
The Gunners are hoping to make amends and will use this upcoming transfer window as a chance to put things right. HITC understands that Arsenal are keen on a midfield addition and have identified Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi as their number one target.
However, a deal has proven difficult with the 26-year-old yet to accept Arsenal’s proposal. The North London club are naturally looking at alternatives, and there is one midfielder they should make a move for.
Premier League midfielder perfect for Arsenal
In the event that the Gunners fail to convince the Spanish midfielder that the Emirates Stadium is the best place to be for his development, they do have other options.
SL Benfica midfielder Joao Neves and Everton powerhouse Amadou Onana are understood to be options but Arsenal should prioritise a move for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes.
The Brazilian midfielder is understood to be the Gunners’ other option in the middle of the park. Arteta, and the decision makers at the Emirates, should do all they can to get this deal over the line.
Since joining Newcastle during January of 2022, the Brazilian has been outstanding. In the season just gone, the Brazilian has made 37 Premier League appearances for the Geordies, scoring seven goals and providing eight assists.
It is not his goal creation that is his best asset but his passing statistics are something to behold. According to FBREF, he completes, on average, 7.34 progressive passes per 90 minutes, compared to Zubimendi’s 5.23.
As well as this, he is a superb dribbler (completing the second most successful take-ons in Europe’s top five leagues) and also ranks highly for tackles made and interceptions.
Guimaraes the difference maker
Having a midfielder next to Declan Rice like Guimaraes would not only improve Arsenal on the ball but also off it as well, with the Brazilian’s attributes off the ball somewhat underrated.
After Newcastle picked up a vital 3-2 win against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, Eddie Howe was full of praise for the former Lyon midfielder.
“He really is a player that makes a difference for us when he’s in the groove and he was tonight,” Howe said, as per BBC. “He’s a difference-maker for us.”
HITC reported earlier this year that Guimaraes was frustrated with how the season had gone at Newcastle. This has led to interest from Real Madrid and Paris-Saint Germain.
However, if Arsenal want to be contenders next season, adding the 26-year-old to the team would be key.
Guimaraes could be the difference between second place for Arsenal, and becoming champions in 2024/25.
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