Martin Zubimendi looks set to make the move from Real Sociedad to Arsenal this summer – and Mikel Arteta is about to face some serious competition.
The Daily Mail reported on Tuesday that a breakthrough in negotiations has all but sealed Zubimendi's £51m move to the Emirates Stadium, which is set for the end of the season. After rejecting a move to Liverpool last summer, the Spain international and Euro 2024 champion is believed to remain in San Sebastian until June, but after that he is expected to link up with Declan Rice in north London.
Liverpool's interest in the player became clear after Arne Slot rejected an approach from the player himself in the summer of 2024, while Pep Guardiola's Manchester City were also linked earlier this season. Anfield boss Slot has been completely candid about his feelings about the talented playmaker, but he is also full of praise for Ryan Gravenberch, who has excelled in that midfield since the summer.
Speaking to reporters in September, Slot admitted: “If I could have bought [Zubimendi] then maybe I could have turned a little more and [the media] would be much happier with it!
“But there is no point in talking about Zubimendi anymore because he stayed at Real Sociedad and we have moved on and we are very happy with Ryan.”
Slot continued to speak highly of Gravenberch as the season progressed, with the midfielder thriving under more pressure this term. The manager called his centerpiece 'outstanding' as the 10-man Reds drew at home to Fulham last month, and also praised his intelligence after a Champions League win over Real Madrid in November.
But the Reds manager couldn't resist admitting how much of a boost signing 25-year-old Zubimendi would have been. He also said: “A club like ours should always try to bring in good players who can help the team win because it is going to be a long season and that is why you need a lot of good players.”
How big a difference would have been had Zubimendi been on board for Liverpool this season is purely hypothetical. However, it speaks volumes how Slot admitted he believes they would have won even more than they have so far, with a potential fourfold still not out of the question.
Guardiola, meanwhile, is also seen as a keen admirer after City were also linked with his signature. The need for a player of Zubimendi's stature became even more apparent following Rodri's ACL injury, and City were touted to revive their interest this winter.
Both Zubimendi and Newcastle talisman Bruno Guimaraes have been mentioned as potential targets as City look to reshape their midfield. However, it appears that Arsenal have clearly moved ahead of the pack, but are ruling out any possibility of the Basque sensation moving to the Etihad.
Arsenal's supposed win could mean a significant loss for their rivals next season. And having brought the likes of City and Liverpool close in recent campaigns, Zubimendi hopes he is the upgrade needed to finally get Arsenal's Premier League title ambitions over the line – while they also continue to chase a top class attacker.
Comments