Arsenal could make a splash in January with the guy who will be Rodri’s long-term successor for Spain.
The Gunners are once again firmly in the race for the name and head into the hectic festivities with a one-point lead at the top.
Mikel Arteta, who was at the helm for most of last season before being outclassed in the Premier League through Manchester City, is desperate not to see him again this season.
And that could see the Arsenal manager dip into the transfer market to bolster his squad.
According to The Athletic, the North London club “will be on alert” once the window opens but any new arrivals will depend on the “usual considerations such as injuries, profitability and sustainability rules (PSR).”
While he then explains how they have to sell to spend money, he also indicates that they re-executed a possible offense for a guy they missed a year ago.
Having already “explored” the possibility of signing 24-year-old midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, their “interest remains strong” in him.
The ace rose through the ranks with the LaLiga side and played a key role in helping them qualify for the Champions League this season.
And it also helped them, like Arsenal, to continue and triumph in the round of 16 of Europe’s most important cup competition.
The star’s abilities have been comparable to those of fellow Spaniard Rodri of Manchester City, and his performances are also attracting attention elsewhere.
Barcelona also like Zubimendi, who recently signed a contract extension to stay at Sociedad until 2027.
This new update indicates that the deal includes a release clause, but that Arsenal still want to “combine several points for this”.
And the main one would be him agreeing to leave his boyhood team for them.
The Spanish ace, who played four international caps, recently said he was pleased to remain with the team he played for through the academy system.
He said: “I have never planned to leave Real Sociedad, I always say that.
“I love life here at home, I’m very satisfied here.
“The values of this club are the same as mine, so I feel very good, I’ve said I’m happy. “
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