Arsenal have long been interested in signing Martín Zubimendi, and at one stage, they appeared to be leading the race for his signature.
Liverpool came closest to bringing him to the Premier League during the summer transfer window, but the Reds no longer seem to be actively pursuing the Spanish midfielder. With Zubimendi increasingly likely to leave Real Sociedad at the end of the season, Arsenal remain keen; however, Real Madrid have now entered the race, posing a significant threat to the Gunners’ hopes of securing his services.
Should a move for Zubimendi fail to materialise, Arsenal will need to consider alternative options to strengthen their midfield. Several players could serve as viable replacements, offering the quality and attributes needed to enhance the squad’s defensive midfield capabilities.
Carlos Baleba – Brighton
Baleba has emerged as one of the most promising defensive midfielders in the Premier League. Despite only turning 21 this year, the Cameroonian has demonstrated maturity beyond his years, excelling in a physically demanding role. His energy, ball-winning ability, and composure in possession make him an ideal addition to Arsenal’s midfield. Furthermore, his potential for long-term development ensures he would offer both immediate impact and future value.
Bruno Guimarães – Newcastle United
Guimarães is a name frequently linked with Arsenal, with many fans hoping to see him at the Emirates. The Brazilian possesses all the qualities required to thrive in Mikel Arteta’s system, combining defensive solidity with excellent passing range and attacking intelligence. His ability to control the tempo of a match and contribute both defensively and offensively makes him an attractive option. If Arsenal are willing to meet the financial demands of a potential transfer, Guimarães could be a statement signing for the club.
Amadou Onana – Aston Villa
Arsenal had shown interest in Onana before Aston Villa secured his signature. However, should an opportunity arise for the Belgian to move again in the summer, he might be tempted by the prospect of joining the Gunners. Onana’s physicality, defensive awareness, and ability to drive forward with the ball would make him a strong alternative to Zubimendi. If Arsenal are unable to secure their primary target, Onana could be a valuable addition to their midfield ranks.
While Zubimendi remains a priority target, Arsenal must be prepared with contingency plans. Strengthening the midfield is essential for their ambitions, and any of these alternatives could provide the depth and quality required to maintain their competitiveness.
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Bruno Guimaraes is the best to sign among them.
In reality we could spend the entire summer chasing MBappe, Zubimendi, Sesko and Garcia, none of which would likely sign, then we can say as least we tried for the best, when in reality Mikel has already chosen the square pegs. I expect some loan deals – a CFC/City flop, GK and an injury prone LB. Well, rumors for MBappe, Zubs, Seisko would be good to inflate the tickets at little bit more.
Ohh well judging by your write up, don’t think the coach could be blamed for failed signings or bigging up transfers. He works with whatever is available and collective efforts from the administrators to get deals over the line, if not then he identifies the square pegs.
We have enough midfield depth at Arsenal Merino,Rice, Lewis Skelly, Havertz,Odegaard and with the potential return of Lokonga and Vieira that will make seven midfielders CDM will be Rice,Merino,Skelly and Lokonga and all have potential to play as CM or box to box CM. attacking Midfield will be Havertz, Odegaard, Vieira and Nwaneri, CF is where we are lacking t quality Jesus isn’t a goal scorer, Havertz isn’t a CF and again left back is an issue again because of the injury prone Calafiuri so again a left back is needed more than a midfielder
Merino doesn’t start in midfield with our current options, and he’s not really a specialised CDM – that was zubimendi at his previous club. I don’t think lokonga is really an option, unless he’s really improved a lot, and he isn’t really a CDM either (more box to box?). Rice can play there but I’m still far from convinced he’s great in that role for a side like us where teams often sit back – we need someone who’s a bit better in tight spaces and a bit more clever in their passing (hence why partey still plays there, even though we’ve tried with rice, and jorginho if not). I could see Skelly being very good in that position, but it’s yet to be seen.
If partey and jorginho both leave, we need someone new imo. It’s as important as a new striker imo, maybe more important.
Kimmich
More likely to sign contract extension at Bayern.
Correct Naftali, he’s agreed a new contract with Bayern Müchen till June 2029.
Not that Kimmich isn’t a great player but after the impasse with BM I am very surprised they came back to an agreement. Very un-BM like to me.
I just read where BM is threatening to sue Canada over Davies’ injury. That’s more familiar, lol.
Just think it was less than two months ago, it was being reported that the Zubimendi was practically a done deal.
These Journalists and there scatter gun approach to connecting our club with any player that has a pulse. 🙄🤦♂️🤷♂️
I don’t believe the reds were in for Zubimendi to begin with as it was made quite clear on multiple occasions that he was not in the shop window last season.