Arsenal have entered contention to sign a new central midfielder, with Martin Zubimendi finding it difficult to force his way into Mikel Arteta‘s plans during the early stages of the Premier League season.
Zubimendi has featured for just 89 minutes across five Premier League appearances this term, following the arrival of Bruno Guimares, who scored the winning goal in the victory against Leeds United at the weekend.
It was important for the Gunners to get back to winning ways, having suffered a shock 3-0 defeat at Brighton prior to the international break, and they made no mistake, coming from behind to secure a 2-1 win courtesy of goals from Riccardo Calafiori and Guimaraes.
Myles Lewis-Skelly started next to Declan Rice at the base of midfield, with Arteta clearly not short of options in the middle of the park, and Zubimendi may not be available for the next match either, having missed training ahead of the Champions League clash against Lille on Tuesday.
With Rice, Lewis-Skelly and Guimaraes available, Arteta should be able to cope, but the north Londoners have now entered contention to sign a midfielder ahead of the January transfer window.
|
Arsenal’s midfield options |
Premier League appearances |
Contract expiry |
|
Declan Rice |
6 |
2028 |
|
Bruno Guimaraes |
4 |
2030 |
|
Myles Lewis-Skelly |
5 |
2030 |
|
Martin Zubimendi |
5 |
2030 |
|
Mikel Merino |
6 |
2028 |
Arsenal join race to sign Andy Diouf
That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Arsenal have now entered the race to sign Inter Milan midfielder Andy Diouf, who is regarded as ideal for Arteta, in light of his ability to play in a number of positions.
The Frenchman is capable of playing in central midfield, as well as at wing-back and full-back, so he would provide valuable cover for the Gunners, who will be looking to compete on all fronts once again this season.
However, the Serie A giants are in a strong negotiating position, as the 23-year-old is under contract until 2030, and they have little desire to sanction a sale this winter.
Journalist Neal Gardner has been left impressed by the two-cap France international’s performances this season, describing him as “incredible” last month, and he has proven to be a valuable playmaker for Inter, setting up three goals in five Serie A matches.
At international level, the former Lens man has also started to force his way into Zinedine Zidane’s plans, completing 64/70 accurate passes in the 4-1 victory against Belgium during the recent international break.
That said, there is no pressing need for Arsenal to bolster their options in the middle of the park at present, with the likes of Zubimendi and Merino struggling to hold down a regular place in the side.