Arsenal eyeing move for £80m Premier League star who's "better" than Zubimendi

Arsenal are now eyeing a summer move for a Premier League midfielder who’s “better than Zubimendi”, after wrapping up the title.

Zubimendi’s mixed first season at Arsenal

The Gunners lifted the Premier League title on Sunday, having already been confirmed as champions after Manchester City’s 1-1 draw at AFC Bournemouth on Tuesday night, and Martin Zubimendi played a key role, after being brought in as a replacement for Thomas Partey last summer.

Indeed, the Spaniard featured in all 38 of the Gunners’ Premier League matches, most recently filling in at right-back against Palace, but he has fallen down the pecking order as of late, featuring as a substitute in the victories against Burnley, West Ham United and Fulham.

Amid criticism of his performances, Rio Ferdinand has defended the 27-year-old, saying: “I’ve seen it, I’ve seen it loud and clear. They are saying he’s been a liability, he was bought just because of a good game in the Euros final, and he’s the weak link. Yeah, he might be at fault for a goal or something like that, he’s given the ball away a few times or made mistakes when the ball has been played directly from a goalkeeper in that holding role, but I wouldn’t say it’s down to him.”

However, Mikel Arteta‘s side are now looking to sign a new midfielder in the summer transfer window.

Arsenal eyeing move for Premier League star

According to a report from The Daily Mail, Arsenal are now keen on signing Mateus Fernandes, who has been valued at £80m by West Ham United, with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain also being named as potential suitors.

Gabby Agbonlahor has already made it clear he thinks the Portugal international would be a fantastic signing for the north Londoners, saying: “Listen, I can see him (Fernandes) in an Arsenal shirt.

“I think he’s a better player than Zubimendi, I really do. I’m not sure about the hype with Zubimendi. (Myles) Lewis-Skelly’s taken his place now, but to add numbers and strengthen (I would sign Fernandes).

“I think he could have his pick of Premier League clubs. I rate him highly.”

Although West Ham were relegated from the Premier League on Sunday, the 21-year-old cannot be blamed, having been a key player throughout the campaign, picking up three goals and three assists in 37 appearances.

However, £80m would be a huge fee to shell out, and Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has suggested Myles Lewis-Skelly could be the ideal option to rotate with Zubimendi in the middle of the park, saying: “He was just different (vs Fulham). I didn’t see Zubimendi do that often – the legs, anticipation, stopping someone, boom, making someone feel that you that you are there; he was there all the time.”