Arteta Personally Working to Convince “Fantastic” 25-Year-Old to Join Arsenal
As the summer transfer window approaches, Arsenal’s manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu are actively pursuing reinforcements for the team’s midfield.
The duo is targeting key players to enhance the squad for the upcoming season, with Arteta personally involved in the recruitment efforts.
Targeting a Replacement for Partey
The Gunners’ midfield could look significantly different by the start of next season. Arsenal are reportedly open to summer offers for Thomas Partey, whose contract is set to expire next year.
Partey’s role has diminished due to fitness issues and the impressive form of some of his teammates.
As a result, uncertainty surrounds his future at the Emirates Stadium.
Fellow midfielder Mohamed Elneny is also expected to leave when his contract runs out this summer.
In preparation, Arsenal have been laying the groundwork to sign a replacement for Partey even before the summer window officially opens on June 14.
Reports suggest that Edu and Arsenal chiefs have initiated contact with Bruno Guimaraes and his representatives about a potential move for the 2024/25 season.
However, securing a deal for the Brazilian international will be both expensive and complicated, especially with Manchester City also interested in him.
Guimaraes’ contract with Newcastle includes a £100 million release clause, valid from the last week of May to the beginning of the final week of June, making it a race between the two Premier League title chasers.
The Zubimendi Alternative
A more cost-effective option could be Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.
The Spaniard’s contract includes a £52 million release clause, making him a more affordable target than Guimaraes.
Zubimendi has been described as the “perfect midfielder” for Arsenal by transfer insider Fabrizio Romano.
Romano has praised Zubimendi’s vision, quality, and intelligence on the ball, suggesting he would be an excellent addition to the Gunners’ midfield.
“My personal feeling is that Zubimendi would be fantastic,” said Romano.
“Even if [Amadou] Onana and Douglas [Luiz] have the advantage of both already knowing the Premier League. Zubimendi is a fantastic player; he can help with his vision, quality and intelligence on the ball – he’s the perfect midfielder.”
Arteta “Working Hard” to Convince Zubimendi
Mikel Arteta is now taking a hands-on approach in the pursuit of Zubimendi.
According to a report by The Boot Room, Arteta is personally “working hard” to convince the 25-year-old to join Arsenal.
Zubimendi, who earns around £58,000-per-week according to Football Transfers, would not be difficult to entice with a salary increase.
Even doubling his current wages would still place him well below Arsenal’s highest earners.
The same report suggests that Arsenal have already submitted a bid for Zubimendi ahead of the summer window.
This indicates their strong desire to secure the midfielder’s services and fulfil Arteta’s wish for his arrival at Hale End.
