If not Caicedo, keep an eye on this Spaniard.
If there is one thing that has become clear in the final days of the winter transfer window, it is that Arteta wishes to strengthen his midfield. According to reports, Arsenal made a £60 million bid for Moises Caicedo at the end of last week and £70 million yesterday.
Of course, Brighton declined the offers, leaving many Gunners wondering if Arsenal will find a way to persuade Brighton to change their stance on doing business with them before the deadline.
Yes, Arsenal believes Caicedo is the man for them, but according to the Times, they have a backup midfield transfer for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi that is being considered.
Zubimendi is one of the best midfielders in La Liga. He’s so good that he’s been compared to Sergio Basquets. Notably, Barcelona is interested in signing him, but given their financial difficulties, Arsenal can easily outbid them for the midfielder. Any club interested in signing Zubimendi has the option of activating his £53 million release clause.
If the reports about Zubimendi are true, he could be a player to keep an eye on in the final hours before the transfer deadline after proving that they can pull off a €60 million deal for a midfielder this month.
Sam P
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He has a nice name and a nicer hair than Caicedo. That makes me think he will be a better fit for our system. Sign him quickly like we did for Partey
Unfortunately nice names and hair do,s do not win you titles 😂😂😂
He did say if he joins Arsenal he’ll change his name and shave his head bald😂😂😂
I would be Shocked if he decided to leave his hometown club who are currently third in La Liga to join us mid season.
Problem is: is Zubimendi available? There were earlier reports that we were willing to activate his release clause but he opted to remain at Sociedad “for now”. Has that changed?
Moreover, Xavi, the Barca coach, has also been speaking glowingly of the player thus sparking suspicions that Barcelona may be interested in tZubimendir. If that’s the case, then there is absolutely no chance he would want to join us. Young Spanish players, like their Italian counterparts, are notoriously reluctant to play abroad when one of the top clubs in their countries show any interest. Remember Locatelli!
But this Caicedo saga is getting really frustrating. Personally, I do not think he is worth all that money. If there was a way we could navigate the rest of the season without him, I’d gladly take it. Better and cheaper alternatives will be available in the summer.
If, on the other hand, Arsenal see him as the best alternative, then just pay what Brighton want and get it over. Those blokes don’t give up; they didn’t when we wanted Ben White even when we were not this desperate.
Look up “Ellyes Skhiri”. A Defensive Midfielder. Will Cost just £13 mil. His contract expires this summer. He is 27 with international caps has average rating of 7 but a higher rating at international level ! . He had a rating of 7.6 against Bayern Munich and 8.5 against WB in the champions league. He is available, has good defensive percentage and passing skills in the high 87 % and has international proven ability and experience at a high level playing a DMC. He will cost only £13 mil because his contract will expire in June 2023. What do you think of him as a ready to go backup for Party?
Although Caicedo would be the ideal signing
considering his age, current form and EPL
experience IMWO any of the following options
would be an upgrade on ASL and would go for
peanuts compared to what Brighton are
demanding for the Ecuadorian.
I. Bamba
A Onana
I. Sangare
K. Thuram
M Kone
S. Berge
A. Haidara
I. Bennacer
S. Ricci
S. Amrabat
They may not tick all the boxes like MC but there
are QUALITY options other than the Brighton
midfielder.
Some decent guys in this list you posted their am suprise I have never herd Sander Berge name link with any movement, the kid knows Odegaard well and could be an interesting signing
Like your selection of mature players
I like Bennacer who is 25 years old and Amrabat he is 26 and in Party’s position I’d prefer someone mature or anyone else on your list
Kone is 33 years old
Ricci is 21 years old
Samuele Ricci’s current transfer value is between €13.5M and €22.5M
Why not move zinchecko to midfield and get that young sparnish guy as back up for tieney.
We can now get a proper and affordable DM next season.
Zinny played CM for City and Ukraine, to my
knowledge he has NEVER featured @ DM during
his professional career.
Kivior seems to make the most sense if MA is forced
to move around players currently in the 1st team
I have to admit, right now I’m not sure what we should do.after missing out on our 1st and 2nd targets, should we go for the next one down the list or wait for the summer??🤔
Just to add that he doesn’t have to be “available” in his club’s view, only in his own eyes.
Arsenal always has the option of “doing a Partey” since La Liga rules say that all a buying club has to do is trigger the release clause and lodge the payment with the Spanish authorities”.
Obviously, they need to have agreed personal terms with the player first, they can’t kidnap him and force him to play for them.
Atletico were livid when we did that with Partey, but they wanted to keep the guy tied down to a long contract on very low wages (for a top footballer). If necessary we can do the same tomorrow.
Instead of paying £80 million for Caicedo…..I. Bennacer £50 million and S. Ricci for £20 million sounds good
I haven’t seen some of the players on ACE’s list play but I trust you guys judgement