Arsenal have been in talks to sign "one of Europe's best defensive midfielders", with a deal set to be possible for €60m (£52m) this summer.
Arsenal eyeing new midfielder after Arteta's big Zubimendi call
Since arriving last summer, Martin Zubimendi has established himself as an important player for the Gunners, featuring in every single Premier League game, but he has fallen behind Myles Lewis-Skelly in the pecking order in recent weeks.
Zubimendi has been a substitute in the last two matches, most recently being brought on for Ben White just before the 30-minute mark in the 1-0 win at West Ham United, before being replaced by Kai Havertz in the second half, at which point it was still 0-0.
Podcast host Adam Keys recently came out in support of the Spaniard, saying: "Martin Zubimendi transformed #Arsenal’s midfield when he arrived; only Raya and Rice have played more minutes than him. He’s scored huge goals, put in glittering performances, covered the most ground in the squad, and tops the charts for line breaking passes. Stop the disrespect."
However, Arsenal are now keen on signing a new central midfielder in the summer transfer window, and they have made contact regarding a deal for Sporting CP star Mortej Hjulmand, according to a report from Caught Offside.
A source added: “Arsenal were in touch recently, Man United are also asking to be kept informed. Sporting have given clubs the signal – he has a €80m release clause, but start negotiations at around €60m and there’s a chance he can go.
“This is their model, and has been for a long time. They know this is a chance to make significant profit on the player, and he’ll be keen to make the step up to a higher level as well.”
morten-hjulmand-sporting
A €60m (£52m) price tag is relatively steep, but it could be a fee worth paying for Andrea Berta, with the Dane being lauded as "one of Europe's best defensive midfielders" by analyst Alex Brice.
The 26-year-old has two goals and four assists to his name in 26 Liga Portugal matches this season, and an average of 2.3 tackles per 90 ranks him joint-third in the Sporting squad.
Ederson makes decision on joining Arsenal or Man Utd
Arsenal and Manchester United could be set to battle it out for the Denmark international's signature, and both Premier League sides are also in the race to sign Atalanta star Ederson, with Berta known to be a big fan.
However, it appears as though Man United are set to win the race for the Brazilian's signature, as he has reportedly agreed a five-year contract at Old Trafford.
Hjulmand has proven he could be a solid alternative to Ederson, but he is not the only midfielder of interest, with a shock new name now on the shortlist.
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