Arsenal chiefs are ready to bid up to £63 million for another key target after offering him a contract, according to a report this week, with sporting director Andrea Berta wasting no time at all after reportedly sealing a move for Martin Zubimendi.
Arsenal seal deal for Zubimendi with more signings on the cards
Fabrizio Romano confirmed earlier this week that Arsenal are set to make Zubimendi their first signing of the summer window, securing a replacement for the exit-bound Jorginho in swift fashion.
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The Gunners have reached out and made contact.
The Spain international, who played a role in his country's triumph at Euro 2024, replacing Rodri in the final against England, has been a star player for Sociedad over many years.
Race for Champions League qualification with 2 games remaining Points
2. Arsenal 68
3. Newcastle United 66
4. Man City 65
5. Chelsea 63
6. Aston Villa 63
7. Nottingham Forest 62
However, after initially rejecting a Premier League switch to Liverpool last summer, Zubimendi will now depart his boyhood club and make his long-anticipated move to England - where Arsenal will welcome the 26-year-old with open arms.
Man United legend Paul Scholes criticised Arsenal's capture of the midfielder when speaking on The Overlap, but fellow pundit Gary Neville explained why he disagrees.
"I’m surprised you say that, I’m really surprised you say that," said Neville in response to Scholes, who suggested there isn't a place in the Arsenal first-team for Zubimendi.
Arsenal-Martin-Zubimendi
"I genuinely don’t believe Rice or Partey are anywhere near as good at receiving the ball as some of the other midfielders in the Premier League.
"I think Declan Rice is a brilliant player and Thomas Partey is a very good player, but I don’t think they’ve got anyone who can control a football match properly in the top games. I think they really struggle with that. I think Jorginho is the best of them. I’m surprised you don’t see that. They need someone to control the ball and keep it moving."
After agreeing Zubimendi's move, on-lookers are keen to ascertain who will follow him to N5.
It is no secret that Berta is in the market for a new striker at Arsenal, and he's highly expected to bring a prolific goalscorer to the Emirates, which is viewed as one of the missing pieces of Mikel Arteta's jigsaw.
Arsenal ready to bid £63m for Viktor Gyokeres after offering £135k-per-week deal
According to Portuguese news outlet A Bola this week, Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres remains high on their agenda.
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The Sweden international has established himself as one of Europe's most lethal marksmen, chalking up a pretty incredible 52 goals across 50 appearances in all competitions this season alone.
The 26-year-old is a rumoured top target for Berta, and A Bola report that the north Londoners have offered him contract terms worth £135,000-per-week after tax. They also state that Arsenal are ready to bid up to £63 million for Gyokeres after making this proposal, as they seek to win the race for his signature early doors.
Other Portuguese media outlets have reported that Arsenal are fearful Chelsea could hijack their move for Gyokeres, so it is little surprise Berta is attempting to move in early.
Called a "massively underrated" striker, the former Coventry City star appears certain to finally depart Sporting before summer deadline day on September 1.