HomeSportsFootballArne Slot and Pep Guardiola's Martin Zubimendi stance with Arsenal move lined...

Arne Slot and Pep Guardiola’s Martin Zubimendi stance with Arsenal move lined up

Arsenal are on the brink of clinching a deal for Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. And it looks as though Mikel Arteta is set to outmanoeuvre some of England’s top clubs for the midfielder’s services.

The Daily Mail (via The Mirror) reported negotiations are nearing completion for Zubimendi’s £51million switch to the Emirates Stadium this summer. After rejecting Liverpool last summer, the Euro 2024 winner is tipped to stay in San Sebastian until June before joining forces with Declan Rice at Arsenal.

Liverpool had their bid for Zubimendi rebuffed by the player himself last summer, and Pep Guardiola‘s Manchester City side have shown an interest, too. Arne Slot has openly expressed his admiration for Zubimendi but was fortunate enough to already have an alternative in Ryan Gravenberch.

“If I could have bought [Zubimendi] then maybe I could have rotated a bit more and [the media] would be a lot more happy about it,” he said in September. “But there is no point talking about Zubimendi any more because he stayed with Real Sociedad and we’ve moved on and we are really happy with Ryan.”

Slot has consistently praised Gravenberch for his impressive form this season. The Dutchman notably called his compatriot “outstanding” during the Reds’ resilient draw against Fulham last month and commended his intelligence following a Champions League win over Real Madrid.

However, Slot did confess last summer that he felt acquiring Zubimendi would have brought his side more wins. He said: “A club like ours should always try to bring in good players who can help the team to win because it is going to be a long season and therefore you need a lot of good players.”

Guardiola clearly rates the midfielder as well, having shown interest in Zubimendi, especially as City felt the absence of Rodri following his injury. While both Zubimendi and Newcastle stand-out Bruno Guimaraes were on City’s radar for a midfield revamp, it seems Arsenal have leapt forward in the race and ruled out any chances of Zubimendi heading to the Etihad.

Arsenal‘s potential gain could be a significant loss for their rivals next season. After challenging teams like City and Liverpool for the title, Zubimendi will be hoping he’s the change needed to finally fulfil Arsenal‘s Premier League aspirations.

Content Source: www.express.co.uk

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