Arsenal switch information: Striker deal ‘already carried out’ and Martin Zubimendi replace
Arsenal are reportedly in the hunt for a new central midfielder and a striker, with Mikel Arteta expected to strengthen his side in the summer transfer window
Arsenal return from the international break with plenty to play for but it appears the Gunners already have their sights set on the summer transfer window.
Mikel Arteta’s side return to action against Fulham on Tuesday, with the opportunity to close the gap on leaders Liverpool to nine points. The odds are stacked heavily against Arsenal, but Arteta is determined to push their title rivals to the limit.
After next Saturday’s visit to Everton, the Gunners host 15-time European champions Real Madrid for the Champions League quarter-finals before making the journey to Spain a week later for the second-leg.
However, Arsenal are also seemingly busy off the pitch too, with new sporting director Andrea Berta set to get down to business following Edu’s surprising exit in November.
The former Atletico Madrid chief is said to have already began his work, with Arsenal legend Martin Keown believing his first signing has already been finalised.
Keown has hinted Arsenal might have already secured a new striker ahead of the summer transfer window, having failed to bolster their attacking options in the winter window.
Despite criticism for not bringing in a new No.9 in January and Arteta’s own admission of disappointment, Keown shared his view on TNT Sports: “There’s a new director of football now.
“You’ve got to go after the players, a good free transfer. You can’t just keep spending money on the obvious Declan Rice. But you can be certain this summer they will be buying a striker, without doubt.
“I would suggest that there is already a player bought and it’s already done from an Arsenal point of view. They won’t make that mistake again.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi’s agent continues to entertain offers for the sought-after Real Sociedad midfielder.
That is despite reports claiming the Spanish midfielder he has agreed personal terms to join the Gunners, who are prepared to meet his £51million release clause.
However, Real Madrid have suddenly emerged as serious contenders for the player that Arsenal have had their eyes on since January, according to El Partidazo de COPE.
They say that Zubimendi’s representative is open to discussions with other clubs and reveal that Real Madrid’s president Florentino Perez is making his move
