It is shaping up to be a significant summer for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta with a number of questions set to be resolved.
One of those questions is midfield with Thomas Partey and Jorginho both out of contract at the end of the season and unlikely to renew their deals. As part of a summer overhaul, the club must identify the next midfield anchor to partner Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in the middle of the park.
Among the names tipped to move to North London this summer is Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi. The Spain international has been tipped to move to the Premier League for some time, with Liverpool having come close to signing him almost 12 months ago to kick start the Arne Slot era, only to be turned down by the player in favour of staying at his boyhood club.
Arsenal then emerged as favourites to sign him and finally poach him from Sociedad, with reports in January stating they are closing in on a deal for the summer. However, rumours over the last week suggest Real Madrid are determined to hijack the deal and bring him to the Bernabeu ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Whether Madrid's pull proves to be too much remains to be seen. Reports in Spain are understandably playing up the Spanish connection and claiming the player's preference is to move to the 15-time Champions League winners.
Zubimendi's reluctance to leave Spain for Liverpool last summer also indicates he may favour staying in his home country. That being said, given the loyalty he has shown to his boyhood club in turning down big-money moves in the past, he could still opt to move outside of La Liga in order to not join a direct rival.
Regardless, Arsenal would be foolish not to start lining up potential alternatives should Real Madrid get their man. One of the players the Gunners should undoubtedly be looking at is Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton.
The 21-year-old emerged from Blackburn Rovers' academy but landed a move to the Premier League last February. In his first six months in the Premier League, he featured 16 times and his performances earned him a call-up to Gareth Southgate's Euro 2024 squad, although he was an unused substitute for England throughout the tournament.
This season has been hampered by injury as he underwent surgery on his groin in November, but his return to action in recent weeks has certainly reminded everyone why he is quickly becoming one of the most talked about midfielders in English football. On Saturday, he played an integral role in Palace's FA Cup triumph over Fulham to reach the semi-finals.
After being booked inside the opening 15 minutes at Craven Cottage, he was able to walk a slim tight rope and avoid a second booking before he was substituted with 20 minutes left to play. His immense passing range, engine and ability to beat the press make him an ideal prospect for all of the top teams, but there is still a rawness about him given his age. His profile and Three Lions prospects would also make him likely to forge an impressive midfield partnership with Declan Rice.
It is no surprise to see the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City already reportedly ready to battle it out for his signature this summer. The sticking point for suitors will likely be in the fee with some sections of the media claiming Palace have slapped a £100m asking price on the midfielder.
With Wharton under contract until 2020, the Eagles are certainly in the driving seat when it comes to negotiations. But there resolve will no doubt be tested as they have such an exciting talent on their books.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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