Arsenal reportedly sent scouts to watch Real Sociedad’s win over Benfica on Wednesday night, with Martin Zubimendi the main attraction. Signing a new midfielder is expected to be a high priority for sporting director Edu in January as Thomas Partey’s injury woes look set to run into next year.
Zubimendi was born in San Sebastian and has spent his entire senior career at local side Sociedad. His loyalty to the club has proven tough to shake, with Real Madrid and Barcelona unsuccessful in their attempts to sign him in the past.
Arsenal have also expressed an interest in the defensive midfielder, and 90min claim that scouts from the north London club were in attendance for Sociedad’s 3-1 win over Benfica in the Champions League this week.
Zubimendi played the full 90 minutes at the base of midfield, while Arsenal comfortably saw off Sevilla elsewhere in Europe’s top-tier club competition.
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The 24-year-old’s contract is believed to contain a release clause worth just under £44million. Arsenal will operate on a tight budget in January, but manager Mikel Arteta’s need for a new midfielder has been heightened by Partey’s injury issues.
Reports indicate that Edu’s pursuit of a new striker has taken a back seat, with midfield recruitment now the top priority. Partey has undergone treatment on a thigh issue which could keep him out for the rest of the year, with his participation at the Africa Cup of Nations in January also in doubt.
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There had already been murmurs of Partey leaving the Emirates Stadium amid transfer interest from Serie A. January could therefore be the right time for Arsenal to cough up for Zubimendi, whose unspectacular release clause is likely to put him on a range of top clubs’ radars.
The Gunners could use the reinforcements after falling three points behind Premier League table-toppers Manchester City. Saturday’s defeat to Newcastle United was fraught with controversy as Arteta labelled the refereeing a ‘disgrace’.
Anthony Gordon’s winner sparked fierce debate as to whether the ball had gone out of play or Joelinton had fouled Gabriel Magalhaes. However, the Premier League’s Key Match Incidents panel ruled this week that the officials were correct to award the goal.
Arsenal have one more match before the international break, and they will fancy their chances of banking all three points when Burnley visit the Emirates on Saturday.
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