Euro Paper Talk: Edu accelerates Arsenal talks to sign La Liga’s best midfielder in £53m deal as defender arrival nears
Arsenal are in talks over a £53m midfielder signing, while Edu is also closing on a new right-back, Man Utd are being offered a Tottenham target, while Tuesday’s Euro Paper Talk claims a Leeds star is eyeing a future move to Inter Milan.
EDU LINES UP SENSATIONAL MOVE FOR MARTIN ZUBIMENDI
Arsenal are stepping up plans to sign Martin Zubimendi later this year after learning the star IS open to leaving Real Sociedad.
The 23-year-old has established himself as a massive component of the Sociedad side which is currently riding high in third place in La Liga. Indeed, the player is regarded by many as the best in his position in this season’s competition after some stirring displays.
That form has seen him strongly linked with a move to Manchester United, with Erik ten Hag a huge fan. To further his cause, Zubimendi was a standout performer in Sociedad’s two clashes against the Red Devils in the Europa League earlier this season.
However, it is Arsenal who are emerging as leading contenders to sign him.
To that end, Mikel Arteta’s pursuit of a new midfielder this month is well documented. The Gunners boss wants cover and competition for Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka. However, despite a number of leads, Arsenal look unlikely as it stands to add to their options.
And with Zubimendi their top target, a report on Sunday claimed they had triggered his £53m (€60m) exit clause.
However, the one-time capped Spain star has made it clear to technical director Edu that he has no intention of leaving the Basque side in the winter window. They currently sit six points behind Barcelona in the title race. And many see this season as Sociedad’s best chance to end their 41-year wait to be crowned Spanish champions.
As a result, Zubimendi intends to stay where he is – for now.
Barcelona are also keen on Zubimendi too. However, Mundo Deportivo claims the midfielder has made it clear to Edu during talks that he favours a move to the Premier League.
Gunners closing on Zubimendi and Ivan Fresneda
Now reports suggest Edu is ready to accelerate those talks and get an agreement in place for Zubimendi to sign this summer in what would be a significant coup for Arsenal.
The Gunners already have two signings in the bag this month in Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior. And a third capture of the month appears to be closing in with Ivan Fresneda due to sign.
The Real Vallodolid teenager has caught the eye this season with some excellent displays at right-back.
Still only 18, the likes of Newcastle, Juventus and Arsenal are all reportedly on his trail.
However, it is the Gunners who are edging closer to his signing in a £13.1m deal.
Per Marca, Arsenal remain confident of concluding his signing. They say that Borussia Dortmund, though, are making a late play to snatch the signing. And their offer of a quicker route to first-team football may give them an ace card.
However, it seems their interest has come too late with Fresneda likely to finalise the move this week.
