Arteta handed timely boost in race to sign Arsenal transfer target he 'loves'

02 January 2024 , 21:02

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Arteta handed timely boost in race to sign Arsenal transfer target he 'loves'

Arsenal are set to offload Mohamed Elneny which will allow them to make a move for Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi.

The Gunners have continued to invest in recent seasons and spent a further £200million in the summer, which leaves them with little room to spend as a result of Financial Fair Play restrictions. It means Mikel Arteta will have to offload players before he can consider any arrivals.

Elneny's contract will expire in the summer and the Daily Mail reports that Turkish sides Trabzonspor and Besiktas have both made offers to take the Egyptian off the Gunners' hands. Any deal is likely to be accepted which would free Arteta to move for a player he greatly admires in Zubimendi.

The Sociedad star was on Arsenal's radar this time last year, reports the Athletic, and it has been further claimed that the north London club 'love' the midfielder. The 24-year-old, who has been capped by Spain, opted to remain in his homeland and has been part of his team's journey into the knockouts of the Champions League.

Zubimendi is understood to have a modest release clause for a player of his quality, but any move is not expected to materialise until the manager sells more midfielders.

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Granit Xhaka left in the summer and last season was part of a midfield duo alongside Thomas Partey. Declan Rice has made himself at home in the middle of the pitch but Arteta has struggled to settle on selections alongside the Englishman.

Martin Zubimendi has continued to impress in Spain (Ion Alcoba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

Arsenal, who have won just one of their last five, have dropped from the top of the table and many have cited their shortcomings in the final third as an issue that could be addressed in this month's transfer window. They lack the prolific individuals that some of their rivals possess and have been linked with the likes of Ivan Toney.

Paul Merson told Sky Sports : "They need a centre-forward. There is no doubt about that in my opinion. Jesus had two chances at West Ham, they are gimmes really for someone like an Ivan Toney. For me there is a long way to go. Arsenal are still in it. I still think they have got to get Ivan Toney. I don't think they win the league if they don't get a centre-forward."

Samuel Meade