Transfer Centre

Arsenal 'considering alternative midfield signings amid concerns over number one target'

By Carter White | 25 April 2024

Arsenal are reportedly considering alternative midfielders amid doubts over a move for Martin Zubimendi, with the Gunners also keen on Bruno Guimaraes and Douglas Luiz.

Arsenal are reportedly prepared to pursue alternative midfield signings amid concerns over a move for Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi.

The 25-year-old has been a regular fixture in the Sociedad team this season, featuring in 30 La Liga matches, scoring on four occasions and providing one assist.

Zubimendi has also appeared on five occasions for his national side since earning a first senior call-up for Spain during the summer of 2021.

After graduating from Sociedad's academy system in 2019, the midfielder has made 187 appearances across all competitions for his boyhood club, scoring eight times.

Imanol Alguacil's side are currently in the race for a spot in European football next term, with Sociedad sitting sixth in La Liga, three points ahead of seventh-placed Real Betis.

Paris Saint-Germain's Warren Zaire-Emery in action with Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi on February 14, 2024 © Reuters

Arsenal considering alternatives to Zubimendi signing?

According to the Evening Standard, Arsenal are considering different options to Real Sociedad's Zubimendi ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

The report claims that Mikel Arteta's Gunners have a long-standing interest in the 25-year-old, who is currently content with being a star at his boyhood side.

However, it is understood that Zubimendi has a desire to link up with Xabi Alonso again in the future, after the German coached the Spaniard in Sociedad's youth sides.

It is believed the midfielder would have followed Alonso to Bayern Munich this summer, however the Bayer Leverkusen boss has opted to stay put with the Bundesliga champions.

Reports last month suggested that Arsenal were actively working on a wage package for Zubimendi which would see him earn double as much at the Emirates compared to at Reale Arena.

Aston Villa's Douglas Luiz celebrates after the match on November 12, 2023 © Reuters

Arsenal 'keen on Douglas Luiz, Bruno Guimaraes'

With Zubimendi's availability and interest in moving to the Premier League questionable, Arsenal are said to be considering other midfield targets.

One of those is Aston Villa's Luiz, who continues to be an important figure for Unai Emery's side in the middle of the park as they chase Champions League qualification.

Newcastle United's Guimaraes is also on Arsenal's radar, with the Brazil international a major asset for the Magpies as they look to navigate Profit and Sustainability rules.

It is understood that the former Lyon man has a £100m release clause in his contract at St James' Park, with the Gunners set to face competition from Manchester United and Manchester City for his signature.