Arsenal<\/a> are now eyeing a summer move for a Premier League<\/a> midfielder who’s “better than Zubimendi”, after wrapping up the title.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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. <\/p>\n Amid criticism of his performances, Rio Ferdinand<\/a> has defended the 27-year-old, saying: \u201cI\u2019ve seen it, I\u2019ve seen it loud and clear. They are saying he\u2019s been a liability, he was bought just because of a good game in the Euros final, and he\u2019s the weak link. Yeah, he might be at fault for a goal or something like that, he\u2019s 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\u2019t say it\u2019s down to him.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n However, Mikel Arteta<\/a>‘s side are now looking to sign a new midfielder in the summer transfer window.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n According to a report from The Daily Mail, Arsenal are now keen on signing Mateus Fernandes<\/a>, who has been valued at \u00a380m by West Ham United, with Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain also being named as potential suitors.<\/p>\n Gabby Agbonlahor<\/a> has already made it clear he thinks the Portugal international would be a fantastic signing for the north Londoners, saying: \u201cListen, I can see him (Fernandes) in an Arsenal shirt. <\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI think he\u2019s a better player than Zubimendi, I really do. I\u2019m not sure about the hype with Zubimendi. (Myles) Lewis-Skelly\u2019s taken his place now, but to add numbers and strengthen (I would sign Fernandes).<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cI think he could have his pick of Premier League clubs. I rate him highly.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n However, \u00a380m 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<\/a> in the middle of the park, saying: “He was just different (vs Fulham). I didn\u2019t see Zubimendi do that often \u2013 the legs, anticipation, stopping someone, boom, making someone feel that you that you are there; he was there all the time.”<\/em><\/p>\n Read next: Arsenal also in talks to sign another Premier League midfielder<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n Zubimendi’s mixed first season at Arsenal<\/strong>
\n <\/h2>\n\n Arsenal eyeing move for Premier League star<\/strong>
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