“Negotiations are advancing”: Journalist Shares positive update as Arsenal set to complete first summer transfer business
Arsenal are more likely to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi over Newcastle United ace Bruno Guimaraes this summer, according to Ben Jacobs.
The Gunners are on the look out for a new holding midfielder and they have been linked with both Zubimendi and Guimaraes over the past few months.
Jacobs has now revealed that Arsenal are unlikely to trigger the £100 million release clause in Guimaraes’ contract. They will only consider an approach if the price drops.
The reputed journalist added that a move for Zubimendi remains a ‘more concrete possibility’.
Arsenal could replace Partey with marquee signing
Thomas Partey has had an injury-plagued career with the Gunners. He managed only 16 appearances last season. With his contract expiring in June 2025, the club are bound to contemplate his exit.
Jorginho’s recent contract renewal is probably a big hint that Partey could be offloaded. In our view, the Gunners are likely to spend big on a marquee defensive midfielder to replace the 30-year-old.
Guimaraes would be a quality acquisition, but Arsenal may not want to spend a nine-figure sum on a midfielder as they may need to make a huge outlay for a centre-forward.
Hence, they could look for a cheaper alternative. Zubimendi can be signed for his release clause worth £52 million, but it won’t be easy to prise him away from Sociedad this summer.
Zubimendi has been reluctant to leave his boyhood club over the past few years and manager Imanol Alguacil recently said that the Spaniard will stay at Sociedad next season.
Unless the Gunners can change his stance, we don’t see a deal happening.
