Arsenal have made their initial offer to Real Sociedad with the aim of signing Martin Zubimendi in the summer transfer window, according to reports.
The Gunners took the Premier League title race to the final day of the season after beating Man Utd 1-0 at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Manchester City’s 2-0 win over Tottenham on Tuesday night Arsenal want the Citizens to put things down on the final day to have any chance of winning the title.
Regardless, Arsenal have put themselves in a position to take advantage of this season, and Mikel Arteta’s side are now once again recognised as a leading force in European football.
And that can be achieved simply by persuading some of the players to move to the Emirates Stadium this summer while Arteta and Edu identify their main targets.
Real Sociedad midfielder Zubimendi is understood to be their main target as they look at the intensity of the midfield amid reports that Thomas Partey could leave this summer.
And now reports in Italy claim that Arsenal have ‘took the initiative by presenting a formal proposal of around €50m’ with Juventus also interested in Zubimendi.
The report adds that the offer “reflects a serious commitment by the Gunners to protect young talent”, despite his release clause being set at €60 million.
It is claimed that Arsenal’s offer “could spark a bidding war between clubs interested in the midfielder”, but that “those figures are too high” for Italian side Juventus.
It is possible that Arsenal will also sell some of their players this summer with academy product Emile Smith Rowe, who has only 3 Premier League games all season, related to an away transfer.
And now, insider Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport that Arsenal will “sell” Smith Rowe if a “good offer” comes in.
Jones said: “I think to say he’s available for a move is a little bit strong, because from what I’ve heard so far it’s not as spelled out as that, but on the other hand, if a smart offer comes in instead of Smith-Rowe, then realistically they’ll sell him this summer.
“Now wasting players like him, Nketiah and others who are locals is a long-term challenge because that prestige in the team has to be replaced and the profiling of transfers has to be very express and the list becomes much smaller.
“Again, I’m not convinced that Smith-Rowe will leave because he brings everything they want to this team, but he’ll also be at a non-public level where he needs more time to bet and there are a lot of clubs in England that may just do that. Offer him that.
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