Mikel Arteta has now privately spoken to £51m midfielder, he’s ready to join Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta spoke directly to Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi about a summer transfer.

Like many other clubs, the Gunners have been very quiet this transfer window. In six months, this certainly won’t be the case and Zubimendi is expected to be a major target for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta spoke with Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi

Martin Zubimendi has been linked with a move to Arsenal for about a year.

The Real Sociedad midfielder has been outstanding in La Liga. He is one of the best in Spain in his position and it always seemed only a matter of time before he moved to a bigger club.

Arsenal have been strongly linked with a Zubimendi transfer, but the Spaniard can be bought by triggering his release clause, which has been set at just over £51 million (The Athletic).

Bild’s Bayern Insider podcast shared some details about Zubimendi this week.

They claim that Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has already spoken to the midfielder and that he is open to the idea of moving to the Emirates this summer.

Christian Falk, who is one of the podcast members, later stated that Bayern Munich, who also want Zubimendi, are now afraid that Arsenal will sign him.

Arsenal need a new central midfielder
It is no big surprise that Arsenal want to strengthen their midfield.

Declan Rice is the Gunners’ main man in midfield, but Jorginho, Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny are all under 30 and could leave the club this summer.

At the end of the season, a new midfielder needs to be brought in – someone who can play with Rice or in his place – and Zubimendi is an excellent choice.

The Spaniard is fantastic on the ball, excellent in the deep and fits perfectly into Mikel Arteta’s style of football. He has all the attributes to succeed in this Arsenal team and we really think he would be a great signing if the Gunners could get him.