Arsenal Eyeing Swap-Deal for £160,000-per-Week Zubimendi Alternative
Arsenal Transfer News
Arsenal are set to propose a player-plus-cash offer for a £160,000-per-week star after growing frustrated with Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi.
The Gunners have identified Zubimendi as a key target to strengthen their midfield, but negotiations have hit a snag.
Zubimendi: A Key Target for Arsenal’s Midfield
Recent reports have indicated that the La Liga midfielder, who made 45 appearances last season, is highly sought after by Arsenal.
Edu Gaspar is keen to enhance the team’s midfield capabilities, especially with the potential departure of Thomas Partey.
Partey, who has only 12 months left on his contract, struggled with injuries last season, making just 14 Premier League appearances.
Rumors suggest that Partey is considering a move to Saudi Arabia, and if he leaves, Arsenal will need a reliable replacement.
While several names have been linked to the club, Zubimendi remains a top priority.
Despite Arsenal’s willingness to meet his £51 million release clause, the player’s reluctance to move to the Premier League poses a challenge.
Journalist Ben Jacobs told GiveMeSport, “Midfield is still a high priority, and we know that Arsenal have had a long-standing interest in Martin Zubimendi.
The challenge there is about persuading the player to leave Real Sociedad because he’s very much in love with the club and the culture, lifestyle, so he’s settled.
But because he’s in his mid-20s, not early 20s or a teenager, it’s kind of a crossroad, because once you turn 26, even though that’s your peak, a lot of clubs like to buy a little bit younger.
So we wait and see whether Arsenal move in that direction.”
Player-Plus-Cash Bid for Guimaraes
According to Football Transfers, Zubimendi’s hesitation has led Arsenal to consider alternatives, with Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United emerging as a strong candidate.
The Brazilian international, earning £160,000 per week, contributed seven goals and eight assists in 37 league starts last season.
Newcastle’s financial situation might compel them to consider Arsenal’s player-plus-cash offer, especially given Guimaraes’ £100 million release clause.
Arsenal are hoping to negotiate a deal below this figure.
Potential players mentioned for the swap deal include Oleksandr Zinchenko, Emile Smith Rowe, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Eddie Nketiah, and Partey.
As Arsenal look to bolster their squad ahead of the new season, fans can expect to hear more Arsenal transfer news in the coming weeks.
