Arsenal Newsnow: Arsenal is keeping an eye on Brais Mendez. But the club will have to wait before making a bid for the €50 million-rated Spanish international
As reported by Fichajes, Arsenal has made Brais Mendez one of their top transfer targets for the next January window. Real Sociedad paid a reported €50 million to bring in the Spanish international this summer. There is some speculation that the Basque group could be reluctant to end the partnership so quickly.
Real Sociedad’s summer acquisition of the midfielder from Celta Vigo for €14 million has sparked immediate interest from other clubs. Prior to his transfer to the Reale Arena, the Spanish team had their sights set on the player during the previous transfer window.
No big changes on Mykhaylo Mudryk deal in the last 48h. Chelsea met with Shakhtar but Arsenal remain in direct talks, also yesteday — Shakhtar told again they want €100m. 🇺🇦 #CFC #AFC
Mudryk priority remains Arsenal, this has always been clear — Chelsea will try until the end. pic.twitter.com/pjOgAiOsWr
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 7, 2023
The Spanish international is valued at €50 million by Real Sociedad. He is apparently attracting interest from Arsenal. Reports indicate that Mikel Arteta loves Mendez’s profile and thinks he might fill a need at the Emirates. The manager of Arsenal has been searching for a central midfielder with a left foot for quite some time.
Will Brais Mendez move to the Emirates Stadium?
Arteta may like Mendez, his left-sided no. 8, to have more of an impact in the last third of games. Granit Xhaka has done a fantastic job at the position this year. But Arsenal’s head coach would like a crowded midfielder position, including one for the Swiss player.
For this part, they have their sights set on Youri Tielemans. Even if Arsenal wants to sign the Belgian playmaker, it could not be until the summer. Arteta is on the hunt for new talent to add to the Gunners’ roster and bolster their Premier League chances.
Arteta may feel the need to bring in a new midfielder in January and may try to sign Mendez if he believes Tielemans will not be moving. To make matters more complicated, Real Sociedad apparently values the 26-year-old at an exorbitant €50 million.
Arsenal Newsnow: What’s next for the Gunners?
Only bids close to that price, which Arsenal is unlikely to meet, will be considered. After that, talks about a potential transfer between the teams may begin. A quick change may seem implausible at the moment. However, progress may be made while the time span continues.
Early in Mikel Arteta’s tenure, Arsenal was often mentioned as a possible destination for promising teenage midfielder Houssem Aouar. However, he may be leaving Lyon this summer on a free transfer. It might pique Arsenal’s interest once again.
