Fabrizio Romano: Mikel Arteta believes Martin Zubimendi is a very talented midfielder and could be perfect for Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta remains a big fan of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and he believes he could be perfect for his side, according to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Spain international has a release clause of €60 million in his contract, and while he is not desperate to leave the La Liga club in the summer, he remains keen on moving to a big club if the opportunity comes calling.

Arsenal are expected to further bolster their midfield this summer after adding Declan Rice to their ranks last summer, but whether they will be ready to splash the cash on someone not guaranteed a place in their starting XI remains to be seen.

“From what I’m hearing, Mikel Arteta is still a big fan of Martin Zubimendi,” Romano said on his YouTube channel last night.

“He believes Zubimendi is a very talented midfielder and could be perfect for any club around the world, so Zubimendi remains one – not the only one – on Arsenal’s list, and there will be others for sure.”

Should Jorginho end up leaving, then Arsenal could have no choice than to go all out for Zubimendi.

Albert Sambi Lokonga is impressing on loan at Luton Town, but Arteta appears to have moved on after telling him last summer that he was not in his plans for this season.

As a result, another midfield addition could be on the cards, and Zubimendi fits the bill given his huge quality and talents.

The 25-year-old has featured in both central midfield and defensive midfield this term, weighing in with four goals and an assist in 29 La Liga games so far.

As highlighted on whoscored, Zubimendi has no significant weaknesses, with aerial duels, through balls and blocking the ball his major strengths.

He has what it takes to make Arsenal even better, and the fact that Arteta loves him could see the board make a serious move for him when the transfer window reopens.