Arsenal are making real headway in their move for a summer transfer target as they look to pre-agree a deal, even if talks are far from done, as it is believed they’ve already agreed loose contract terms.
Arsenal’s summer transfer plans amid injury crisis
With both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus out for the rest of this season, manager Mikel Arteta‘s lack of depth in the attacking areas has been seriously exposed, especially when factoring Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka’s injuries as well.
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They attempted a deal in the winter.
Arteta started a front three of Leandro Trossard, Raheem Sterling and Ethan Nwaneri in their last Premier League clash against Leicester City, but none of the aforementioned trio came to Arsenal’s rescue.
Mikel Merino came off the bench to grab an heroic brace in the final 10 minutes, handing Arsenal a vital three points and 2-0 win in dramatic fashion, but it is unclear whether the Spain midfielder will be used in that capacity against West Ham.
|
Arsenal’s next five Premier League games |
Date |
|---|---|
|
West Ham (home) |
February 22nd |
|
Nottingham Forest (away) |
February 26th |
|
Man United (away) |
March 9th |
|
Chelsea (home) |
March 16th |
|
Fulham (home) |
April 1st |
Sterling, who signed from Chelsea on loan last summer, has been slammed for his sub-par performances – with critics urging the Englishman to do more as Arsenal become in dire need of a vocal point up front.
“It’s been evident since his move to Arsenal that there are a few concerns in the background,” said ex-Premier League scout Mick Brown to Football Insider.
“Firstly, he hasn’t been playing regularly, which always raises questions about why because Arteta thought he could get the best out of him.
“But when he has played, he’s been well below the level expected and required of him in that team. It may well be that he’s gone over the top fitness-wise and in terms of the stage of his career.
“His performance levels have been frightening really, and he needs to step up at this stage of the season because otherwise who knows where he’ll end up.”
Based off his outings this season, it appears unlikely they will pursue a permanent deal for Sterling, with Arsenal targeting new attacking options ahead of next season.
Jorginho and Thomas Partey are also out of contract at the end of 2024/2025, meaning Arsenal need to bring in a elite-level midfielder in their stead.
Arsenal agree “broad” personal terms with Martin Zubimendi
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, as reliably reported, is a serious target for Arteta in this regard.
Arsenal have been attempting to agree a pre-summer deal for Zubimendi since January, with the Spaniard’s contract also containing a £51 million release clause, which means the Gunners can bypass Sociedad transfer talks and head straight to the player.
According to TEAMtalk and journalist Ben Jacobs, who share another update on Arteta’s pursuit of the 26-year-old, Arsenal are in advanced talks with Zubimendi and “broad” contract terms have been “verbally” agreed.
However, while Arsenal are moving forward in negotiations, it is far from done or formal at this stage, and there is still time for fellow interested clubs to come in and hijack a move.
So, they’re approaching this move with cautious optimism, as hurdles like agents fees, taxes on the release clause, Zubimendi’s own stance and the fact a deal is not finalised yet still stand in the way.
