Mikel Arteta has dressing room approval to complete signing of ‘world class’ midfielder
Real Sociedad player Martin Zubimendi is already regarded highly by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, but Kieran Tierney’s remarks may cause Arteta to take notice.
The Scotland star Tierney is still under contract with Arsenal, although he is presently playing on loan at Real Sociedad of La Liga.
The former Celtic player is hoping some time in San Sebastian can jump-start his career after spending a large portion of his time at the Emirates sidelined by fitness concerns.
The Gunners have Oleksander Zinchenko in his position and signed Jurrien Timber in the summer to add depth. Tierney left because of more playing time, something that he lacked at Arsenal.
Tierney has had the opportunity to get a close-up look at Zubimendi, a player who has been heavily linked to Arsenal over the previous two transfer windows, during this time at Sociedad.
The 25-year-old Spanish international’s technical skill has drawn Arteta’s attention.
In a recent interview with The Guardian, Tierney praised Zubimendi which would have delighted Arteta.
The Scotsman explained: “You have world-class players like Martin Zubimendi, Mikel Merino, Brais Mendez. It’s not that people don’t think they’re good, it’s just that if you’re only watching the Premier League every week, it’s hard to know. They’re world class.”
Even though Arteta spent £105 million on Declan Rice as a new midfield player in the summer, it appears that his midfield makeover is still ongoing.
Thomas Partey is likely to leave the club in the summer and the Gunners are eyeing Zubimendi as his replacement.
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