Arsenal have been contacted by agents who’ve offered Mikel Arteta the possibility of signing an alternative to Martin Zubimendi this summer.
Martin Zubimendi in advanced pre-summer talks to join Arsenal
Back in January, The Mail broke the news that Arsenal began attempting a pre-summer deal for Zubimendi, with it gaining serious traction among credible media sources like Fabrizio Romano.
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However, while Arsenal’s talks to sign Zubimendi are believed to be at an advanced stage, with personal terms loosely agreed over wages (Ben Jacobs), there is still every chance that a rival club could swoop in to hijack the deal.
This was echoed by Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg last month, who poured cold water over suggestions that an agreement for the Spain international was all but done – adding that Real Madrid, Barcelona and Liverpool are also in the mix.
Arsenal plan to trigger Zubimendi’s £51m release clause, according to Romano, so the final sign-off on this transfer will rest solely on the boyhood Sociedad fan’s shoulders.
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Arsenal’s next five Premier League games |
Date |
|---|---|
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Nottingham Forest (away) |
February 26th |
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Man Utd (away) |
March 9th |
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Chelsea (home) |
March 16th |
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Fulham (home) |
April 1st |
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Everton (away) |
April 5th |
The 25-year-old is known to have rejected a move to the Premier League before, snubbing Liverpool’s advances last summer (Sky Sports), and there is nothing to suggest that it wouldn’t happen to Arteta’s side as well.
Arsenal offered Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong
Taking this into account, it would be wise for interim Arsenal sporting director Jason Ayto to consider alternatives, with a move for Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong potentially on the table.
According to The Boot Room and journalist Graeme Bailey, intermediaries have contacted Arsenal to gauge their interest in signing de Jong from Barca, with the £302,000-per-week midfielder not exactly enjoying his best campaign at Camp Nou due to injury problems and a lack of form.
The Netherlands international is out of contract in 2026, meaning he could also depart for a cheap fee, which some reports estimate could be as low as £29 million.
De Jong was a top target for ex-Man United boss Erik ten Hag during his time at Old Trafford, and it appears a move to England could still be possible for the 27-year-old.
“Frenkie is an incredible player and for every club in the whole world he will strengthen the squad because he has a unique quality,” said Ten Hag, who worked with De Jong at Ajax (ESPN).
“If you can get him in the squad your team will be stronger. In Spain, he became even better. He’s a fantastic player, plays out from the back, he always has time, and it was a pleasure to work with him.”
