According to BD Cricket’s fixture updates, Arsenal’s summer plans to reinforce their midfield have hit a roadblock, as they risk missing out on their top three transfer targets. With competition fiercer than ever, even elite clubs must shine bright to attract the right talent. Currently, the Gunners sit atop the Premier League by a single point, having played one game more, and manager Mikel Arteta is keeping his full focus on the title race. Arsenal hope to win all of their remaining four matches and rely on defending champions Manchester City to slip up.
As the summer transfer window approaches, Arsenal’s shortlist is beginning to take shape. BD Cricket’s editorial team reports that Arteta is prioritizing a midfield signing, especially as Thomas Partey is likely to leave the Emirates, and Jorginho’s future remains uncertain. One of the top names linked to Arsenal is Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi. However, the 25-year-old’s recent comments about his future might come as a blow to Arsenal. Zubimendi dismissed transfer speculation, saying he’s happy at Sociedad. Still, he left the door slightly ajar, stating, “Maybe someday the club won’t want me anymore.”
To complicate matters, Arsenal are not alone in their pursuit. Both Bayern Munich and Barcelona have publicly expressed admiration for Zubimendi, with reports suggesting he dreams of playing under Barça legend Xavi, who once coached him in Sociedad’s B team. Arteta’s list doesn’t stop there—he’s also eyeing Bruno Guimarães of Newcastle and Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa. Arsenal reportedly submitted a bid for Luiz, which Villa swiftly turned down. But as the saying goes, “no challenge is too great for those who refuse to quit.”
Landing either Guimarães or Luiz won’t be easy. Newcastle tied Guimarães to a new five-year deal just last year, and Luiz renewed with Villa 12 months ago. Both clubs have made it clear they have no intention of selling. Arsenal had previously been seen as the leading contender for Guimarães, and the Gunners were eager to bring the Brazilian playmaker to North London to bolster their midfield creativity and depth. However, Manchester City’s recent entry into the race has thrown a wrench into those hopes, raising the stakes considerably.
City’s involvement puts additional pressure on Arsenal, forcing them to make a swift decision: either up their offer for Guimarães or shift focus to alternative targets. Arteta is now actively scouting other midfielders in case these three names fall through. BD Cricket’s editor-in-chief confirms that bringing in at least one top-class midfielder remains Arsenal’s top priority this summer—a mission the club is determined to accomplish.
Whether Arsenal can navigate these complex negotiations and come out on top remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: if they want to stay competitive at the highest level, adapting quickly—and smartly—in the transfer market is not just an option, it’s a necessity.