Arteta reportedly wants a new midfielder this summerArteta reportedly wants a new midfielder this summer
Arteta reportedly wants a new midfielder this summer | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Arsenal have fresh competition in their reported bid to land a midfielder this season.
Arsenal have been dealt a blow in their reported bid to land a La Liga midfielder this summer. The Gunners face an intriguing summer as they look to right the wrongs of the current campaign having fallen significantly short of their Premier League title ambitions.
Mikel Arteta’s men have not been helped by injuries, but there have been other shortcomings, with Arsenal lacking depth in particular, in the attacking midfielder, winger and striker roles.
Despite that, there have been many reports claiming that the Gunners are looking to sign Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi this summer. Zubimendi is a holding midfielder and one of the best in his position, and the feeling is that he will move on this summer having almost joined Liverpool last summer.
It was reported by the Daily Mail that Arsenal had all-but reached an agreement with the player, willing to meet the £51million release clause to land Zubimendi, although it’s difficult to comprehend Arsenal spending so much on another defensive midfielder given their obvious needs at striker and out wide.
But Arteta seems like a big fan of his compatriot, even if there is now some serious competition to land the midfielder. Diario AS report that Real Madrid are specifically considering targets from La Liga this season as they look to remain in line with squad rules, and Zubimendi is reportedly one of their main targets on that front.
Zubimendi’s release clause is set at £51million as things stand, and that means Arsenal won’t be outbid, at least not in terms of a transfer fee. Though, Real Madrid will have a bigger reach when it comes to wages, while Zubimendi might prefer to remain in Spain having only ever played in his home country. Meanwhile, Arsenal will need to weigh up their priorities given their obvious needs elsewhere on the pitch.