Even as the transfer window approaches its brief six-day closure period, Arsenal remains actively pursuing potential deals. Mikel Arteta`s team secured a third consecutive second-place finish in the Premier League this season and reached the Champions League semi-finals, fueling their ambition for greater success next year.
Over recent months, numerous talented players have been linked with the Gunners. Martin Zubimendi appears to be the closest target to joining the North London club. Links to the Real Sociedad midfielder first emerged in January 2023, intensified last summer, and gained significant traction this January. Earlier this year, journalist Sami Mokbel reported that the Spanish player was expected to arrive at the Emirates this summer. However, fan concern arose regarding potential interest from Real Madrid.
Despite some Spanish media reports suggesting Los Blancos might try to persuade Zubimendi to choose them over Arsenal, reputable journalist David Ornstein recently stated that Arsenal consider the deal `done and signed`, while Real Madrid sources deny ever seriously pursuing the player.
Arsenal transfer news
In further transfer news, Arsenal are now also linked with another international talent who could potentially be a more exciting signing than Zubimendi: Anthony Gordon. According to David Ornstein`s latest report in The Athletic, the Newcastle United star is admired by figures at the Emirates, a claim corroborated by James McNicholas in the same piece.
While no specific price was mentioned in this report, earlier reports from this month concerning Liverpool`s interest valued the player at around £80m. Although securing Gordon could be a complex and expensive transfer, his ability suggests it could be a worthwhile pursuit for Arsenal.
Why Gordon will be more exciting than Zubimendi
It`s important to acknowledge that Martin Zubimendi would be a superb addition to Arsenal once he joins. His impressive performances for Spain in the Nations League semi-final and final, coupled with interest from major clubs, confirm his special talent. He is expected to significantly contribute to Arsenal`s play, likely initiating attacks from deep midfield positions.
However, for sheer excitement, Anthony Gordon offers something more due to his attacking output. Football fans are primarily drawn to goals and moments of skill, which the Newcastle forward could deliver in abundance at the Emirates. For instance, last season, Gordon recorded an impressive 12 goals and 16 assists in 48 appearances (3869 minutes), averaging a goal involvement every 138 minutes. Even this current season, despite not being at his absolute peak, the player, who once described himself as a “nightmare” for opponents, managed nine goals and seven assists in 42 appearances (2946 minutes), resulting in a goal involvement every 184 minutes.
Ultimately, while Zubimendi will likely enhance Arsenal`s midfield structure and ball progression, it is Gordon who is more likely to electrify the crowd by directly contributing to goals, taking on defenders, and providing that dynamic attacking spark.
