With plenty of work to do in the summer, Arsenal have already reportedly set their sights on signing a midfield reinforcement who could arrive instead of top choice Martin Zubimendi.
Arsenal transfer news
Just days after Mikel Arteta told reporters that Arsenal would not give up on the Premier League title over his dead body, a blunt 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest signalled the entrance of the grim reaper in the guise of what has been an unstoppable Liverpool side. Now 13 points behind Arne Slot’s side, the Gunners are all but down and out.
What Arsenal’s recent collapse has done, however, is expose just how much work there is to be done in the summer transfer window. Even before injuries to Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli, their frontline was faltering. All those injuries have done is increase the need for an extreme overhaul when the transfer window swings open.
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The dream name at this stage seems to be Alexander Isak. Whether the Gunners have the spending power or profit and sustainability limit to match Newcastle United’s reported £150m valuation remains to be seen, however, and they may have to settle for their second choice. The same, meanwhile, can be said for their pursuit of Martin Zubimendi.
With Real Madrid lurking, those in North London have already turned their attention towards a potential alternative to the Real Sociedad star. According to The Boot Room, Arsenal are now plotting a summer move to sign Pablo Barrios from Atletico Madrid.
A rising star, the 21-year-old has played a key part in Diego Simeone’s side this season as they set their sights on pipping Barcelona and Real Madrid to another La Liga title.
That success could come with the consequence of losing Barrios though, especially if Arsenal come calling when the transfer window swings open.
"Magic" Barrios would ease Zubimendi blow
If it’s not to be Zubimendi, then Barrios wouldn’t exactly be a disappointing second choice. The Atletico Madrid man has emerged from his side’s academy to have a growing influence on Simeone’s side, earning the praise of Jacek Kulig in doing so in the last year or so. Dubbed “magic” by the football talent scout last season, the midfielder has only pushed on ever since.
A younger option than Zubimendi too, Arteta would have the chance to watch Barrios reach the peak of his powers at the heart of his Arsenal side next to Declan Rice, who has looked in possession without such a player next to him at times in recent months.
Starts
18
23
Progressive Passes
91
143
Key Passes
17
13
Ball Recoveries
85
105
Whilst it seems that Zubimendi remains Arsenal’s first choice this summer, Barrios should not be far behind given the potential that he has shown in La Liga this season when compared to his fellow Spaniard, making his name one to watch.