Arsenal more likely to buy £53m Champions League midfielder than Tchouameni next year

Add as preferred source on Google

Journalist Ben Jacobs has suggested that a move for Martin Zubimendi may be more possible for Arsenal than Aurelien Tchouameni, with the Frenchman showing no interest in leaving Real Madrid.

Jacobs was speaking to Caught Offside as he also noted that Douglas Luiz remains on the Gunners’ radar as they set their sights on another midfielder.

Arsenal fans may be dreaming of a deal for Aurelien Tchouameni heading into the January transfer window.

Arsenal more likely to sign Martin Zubimendi than Aurelien Tchouameni

It was reported by Football Transfers that Arsenal have made Tchouameni their number one target for next year.

However, Ben Jacobs has suggested that the Real Madrid youngster is unlikely to end up at the Emirates anytime soon. But there is more encouraging news when it comes to the likes of Martin Zubimendi and Douglas Luiz.

“Links with Aurelien Tchouameni are wide of the mark. There has been no approach. Tchouameni wants to stay at Real Madrid, who also have no desire to sell,” he told Caught Offside.

“Martin Zubimendi is perhaps more possible in 2024. Arsenal wanted the Real Sociedad midfielder in January but there was no player buy-in and the La Liga club also didn’t want to sell. Zubimendi has a £53m release clause.

“Right now, Arsenal are only holding formative internal talks on all potential names. And from what I am told, if Arsenal have their way they could well look a bit closer to home. Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz is still appreciated. It’s tough because he’s enjoying life at Villa under Unai Emery.”

Essential Gunners land another midfielder

Of course, Zubimendi’s release clause does not necessarily mean that Arsenal will get a deal done if they do decide to make a move for the Spaniard in one of the coming windows.

Reports from Cadena SER in January claimed that Arsenal were willing to trigger the release clause of Zubimendi. However, he reportedly made it clear that he was not looking to leave Real Sociedad.

Sociedad have been superb over the last couple of years, finishing fourth last season. They currently find themselves fifth in the early stages of this campaign.

But Arsenal may hope that there is scope to tempt Zubimendi to consider a future move if they do trigger his release clause.

It does appear to be imperative that Arsenal strengthen in the middle of the park at some stage in the near future. Declan Rice has been an inspired signing. And Jorginho has done well since coming in.

Thomas Partey however, continues to struggle with injury. And his fitness issues have the potential to restrict Rice from playing in what appears to be in his best position.

Obviously, it would be amazing if Tchouameni could be tempted to join Arsenal. But Zubimendi is an outstanding player – and will seemingly cost a lot less.