Arsenal: If asked about a Real Sociedad midfielder on Arsenal’s radar last season, most supporters would have mentioned Martin Zubimendi. But that view altered with the summer transfer window. Arsenal had interest in his colleague, Mikel Merino in addition to scouting Zubimendi.
Stories about Mikel Arteta’s phone call with Merino and the allegedly large offer at Emirates Stadium suggested Arsenal had turned its attention elsewhere from Zubimendi. Is it the complete tale, though?
Latest Update On Martin Zubimendi To Arsenal
Ben Jacobs of Give Me Sport claims Arsenal still wants Zubimendi very much. They even thought about last winter triggering his £51 million release clause. But the athlete stayed put because of his passion for Sociedad and their Champions League games. “Ar Arsenal still like Merino’s Sociedad teammate Martin Zubimendi and the issue is not his cost,” Jacobs remarked. Although the €60m (£50m) release clause seems excessive, it did not cause Arsenal to change course in January. They know Zubimendi had Champions League (football) last season and just likes Sociedad. Convincing the athlete to go is difficult.
Perfect for Arsenal would have been signing Zubimendi. Declan Rice would have been complimented by the Spaniard’s qualities as a number six with his passing, duel-winning, deep-lying playmaking prowess. Rice could carry on his box-to—box performance while Zubimendi was manning the fort, in which he was really good last season. This configuration would improve Rice’s impact on Arsenal’s offensive style free from strong defensive duties.
Arsenal may only be successful in bringing Merino however. Merino would still greatly boost Arsenal’s midfield should he come. Rice may therefore have to remain a number six doing more defensive tasks.
The biggest issue still is: Is Arsenal still attempting to convince Zubimendi to join them? The response may determine Arsenal’s midfield dynamics in the upcoming season.
More news:
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea’s new manager, looks eager to see Mads Hermansen, the goalie he formerly coached at Leicester City, again. Big fan of Hermansen Maresca might use his respect into a practical transfer tool. Already demonstrating his inclination to rely on known names, the Italian manager lured Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester to Chelsea.
Coming through the ranks at Bröndby IF, Mads Hermansen joined Leicester City last summer. Under Maresca’s direction, Leicester’s comeback to the Premier League was much aided by the Danish goalie. Out of 46 Championship games, he appeared in 44, maintaining 13 clean sheets and just 41 goal concedes. Maresca, who now wants him at Chelsea, clearly found his performance outstanding.
Hermansen at £45 million is valued by Leicester City, a large sum given his contract extends for another four years. Notwithstanding this, many teams express interest in the gifted 24-year-old. Particularly Chelsea appears a possible candidate for his signature. Although Robert Sanchez was hired by the club as their top goalkeeper, he has failed to persuade Stamford Bridge he is the correct fit. According to reports, Chelsea may split from Sanchez to create room for a top-notch acquisition like Hermansen.
Should Chelsea pursue Hermansen, they will negotiate a difficult situation. Given the long-term deal Leicester has, she has the advantage. Chelsea’s will to land the deal might be driven by Maresca’s want to have Hermansen once again under his control, but they have to satisfy Leicester’s valuation.
