BREAKING NEWS: Zubimendi is not a complete box to box midfielder and doesn’t what it takes to Play in the premier League that is why I have decided to replace Him with this Ath Madrid wonder kid who’s more aggressive and better player that Zubimendi because I don’t want to repeat Edu Gasper transfer mistakes anymore”, Arsenal new sporting director Andrea Berta have officially call off Zubimendi deal in order to sign Argentine wonder kid by the summer
BREAKING NEWS: Zubimendi is not a complete box to box midfielder and doesn’t what it takes to Play in the premier League that is why I have decided to replace Him with this Ath Madrid wonder kid who’s more aggressive and better player that Zubimendi because I don’t want to repeat Edu Gasper transfer mistakes anymore”, Arsenal new sporting director Andrea Berta have officially call off Zubimendi deal in order to sign Argentine wonder kid by the summer
As Arsenal’s transfer priorities take shape ahead of the summer window, midfield remains a key area of focus. While Martín Zubimendi has long been linked with a move to The Emirates, Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu may be eyeing a more flexible option who could prove a better long-term investment.
Enter Pablo Barrios, the 21-year-old Atlético Madrid talent who could quietly become one of the smartest pickups of the window.
Barrios, who has emerged as a composed and tactically mature presence under Diego Simeone, is already known to Andrea Berta, from his time at Atletico. His ability to play both as a deep-lying playmaker and an energetic box-to-box midfielder offers Arsenal a slightly different profile to Zubimendi. His youthfulness also makes him less likely to be demanding of a starting spot, therefore allowing Declan Rice to take on more of a holding role for more games, while unlocking greater creativity ahead of him.
According to , Barrios boasts excellent ball recovery numbers and a clean passing range. His youth means he has room to grow, but his football intelligence and positional awareness are already at a level Arteta would appreciate in high-pressure Premier League matches.
While Zubimendi remains a more established name, his reported €60m release clause and firm commitment to Real Sociedad have complicated Arsenal’s pursuit. Real Madrid are also now in the mix for Zubmiendi.
Barrios, on the other hand, may be more attainable – and could offer a more rounded long-term upside.
Switching targets to Barrios could also open up tactical fluidity. It may allow Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz to play further forward more consistently, while still maintaining defensive solidity through Rice and Barrios.
