The Gunners need attacking reinforcements after losing Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus to serious injuries, although Arsenal have first moved to secure an agreement for a new central midfielder in the Spain international – who will join in the summer, according to the Daily Mail.
Sources state that the deal is pretty much done, with Arsenal set to pay the €60m (£51.5m) release clause written into the Real Sociedad No.4’s contract.
Martin Zubimendi has been a target for Mikel Arteta for over 12 months – and with a deal now agreed, let’s take a look at what Ian Wright has previously said about the Spaniard.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright is a huge admirer of Martin Zubimendi
Zubimendi was pursued by Liverpool last summer – but decided to stay at Real Sociedad.
Amidst that saga, Wright spoke glowingly about Zubimendi during a discussion with Owen Hargreaves, even claiming that he feels Liverpool could win the UEFA Champions League with a player like him.
Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Sociedad v Villarreal at the Estadio Reale Arena on January 13, ...
Hargreaves said: “To win the Champions League, they need a Rodri – well, not a Rodri because he will probably win the Ballon d’Or, but they need somebody top level, and if they get that I think they could win everything.”
In response, Wright added: “If they could get Zubimendi, he’s the one you think could be that guy, I think he could be that guy.”
Now – in a sudden turn of events – the man from San Sebastien looks set to join Arsenal instead of Liverpool.
Manchester City also wanted to sign Martin Zubimendi
Liverpool were not the only other Premier League side keen to sign the UEFA Euro 2024 winner.
TBR Football understand Manchester City also admire Zubimendi – as the Citizens look to bolster their central midfield department.
Therefore, if the Daily Mail’s exclusive is accurate, Arteta has not only got one over on Liverpool, but also his old colleague in Pep Guardiola.
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