Arteta's transfer masterplan suffers early blow as Arsenal line up alternative

09 February 2024 , 10:08

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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta (Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal could miss out on signing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi because there are fears about whether he would leave La Liga for the Premier League.

The Gunners have been linked with a move for Zubimendi for some time and Mikel Arteta is a huge fan of the Spain international. However, they have never taken concrete steps to try and sign him.

This might change this summer though as Arteta tries to bolster his midfield department, with Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe both potentially heading for the exit door. Zubimendi is highly-regarded as a technical player, having impressed in the Champions League for Sociedad this season.

Zubimendi would no doubt add an extra ounce of quality to the Arsenal squad, but the club are worried if the 25-year-old would move to England. Zubimendi has never played outside of Spain, having spent the entirety of his short career at Sociedad to date, clocking 174 senior appearances.

Speaking earlier this season, Zubimendi appeared to rule out a move elsewhere anytime soon. "I have never planned to leave Real Sociedad, I always say that. I love life here, at home, I'm so happy here. The values of this club are the same as mine so I feel very good, I always said that I'm happy," he said, as quoted by Fabrizio Romano.

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After joining Sociedad's youth set-up aged 12, Zubimendi progressed through the academy before making his first-team debut in April 2019. He has since slowly become an important player and was influential in their fourth-place La Liga finish last season, which guaranteed them a place in the Champions League.

Zubimendi is a talented operator and usually plays as the deep-lying defensive midfielder, where he would often pick up the ball from the centre-backs and control matches. He is a different type of player to Declan Rice, who is renowned for his ball driving ability, whereas Zubimendi is arguably more technically gifted.

Martin Zubimendi in action for Real Sociedad (Getty Images)

As well as eyeing Zubimendi, Arsenal are making checks on Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams. The Gunners have got a new winger on their summer shopping list and Williams is being targeted. The 21-year-old signed a new contract last summer and wouldn't be cheap, while Liverpool, Real Madrid and Aston Villa are also thought to be keen.

Athletic Bilbao are insistent Williams, who has scored five goals and provided 10 assists in 24 matches this season, will not be sold and the player will show his loyalty. Arsenal are also long-term admirers of Wolves winger Pedro Neto, who is proven in the Premier League.

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John Cross