Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta already holds Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi in high regard, but he may take special notice of remarks made by the Gunners’ own Kieran Tierney.
Tierney, who is currently on loan at Real Sociedad from Arsenal, has had the opportunity to observe Zubimendi closely during his time at the Spanish club.
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Despite struggling with injuries during his tenure at Arsenal, Tierney hopes his stint in San Sebastian will revitalize his career.
During his loan spell, Tierney has singled out Zubimendi for praise in a recent interview with the Guardian, shedding light on the midfielder’s technical abilities that have impressed Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy.
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.”
Despite splashing out £105 million on midfielder Declan Rice last summer, it appears that Arteta’s midfield revamp is not yet complete.
Zubimendi has emerged as a potential replacement for Thomas Partey, should the injury-prone Ghanaian be offloaded in the summer transfer window.
Reports suggest that Zubimendi’s release clause is a relatively modest £51 million. Should Arsenal pursue their interest in him, it could leave the Real Sociedad player with a significant decision to make about his future at the club.
Given the considerable rotation in Arsenal’s midfield this season—Jorginho, Partey, and Kai Havertz have all partnered with Rice at various points—Arteta is eager to find a consistent midfield partner for the club’s record signing.
As for Tierney’s own future, when asked about Arsenal return, the left-back revealed: ” It’s hard to say. I loved my time there and I still have two years on the contract.
“I am very grateful to Arsenal. I don’t know what’s going to happen but I am absolutely loving it here. I feel I have adapted quite well and I hope I can return the faith the club have shown. This is a very, very talented squad with world-class players and so many have come from the academy. It’s an amazing story.”
