According to Fabrizio Romano, a transfer journalist, Arsenal has been keeping an eye on Martin Zubimendi and Robin Le Normand, Real Sociedad’s duo, for a possible summer transfer.
As the summer transfer window approaches, sporting director Edu and manager Mikel Arteta are strategizing to maintain Arsenal’s Premier League status as a top team. Despite signing Jorginho in January, the club is still searching for a central midfield player, preferably West Ham’s Declan Rice, who Dean Jones, a journalist, reports has shown interest in joining North London. Otherwise, Moises Caicedo from Brighton is also being considered as an alternative in case the Rice deal does not push through.
The press has also reported on potential foreign alternatives, including Zubimendi, who has been previously linked to Arsenal and Arteta. According to Romano, Arsenal has been following Zubimendi and Le Normand’s performance, and both players have been impressing the team as they assess the duo for their transfer shortlist.
Romano stated: “Arsenal sent their scouts to follow both Zubimendi and Le Normand this year as they’re doing excellent with Sociedad, but nothing is concrete yet. The Gunners’ plans on new signings will be made in the next weeks, nothing is advanced yet. The price for Le Normand is the release clause: €50m.”
As per WhoScored, both Zubimendi and Le Normand have been undroppable under Sociedad coach Imanol Alguacil, with only goalkeeper Alex Remiro featuring more in La Liga minutes than the two. Both players are known to protect their team’s net, with Zubimendi and Le Normand ranking second and third-highest for blocks per 90, respectively.
Le Normand has the advantage over Zubimendi in terms of numbers, and Arsenal may be more attracted to his exit clause. Meanwhile, Arteta may be concerned about Zubimendi’s disciplinary record, with the 24-year-old receiving ten yellow cards this season.
