Arsenal competition for Martin Zubimendi as Mikel Arteta eyed

It has been a quiet January transfer window for Arsenal, who – like many Premier League sides – are yet to make any new signings.

But just because they haven’t brought in any new players, doesn’t mean that Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu haven’t been working on deals. Arsenal have been forced to fend off interest in Emile Smith Rowe and they are also working on potential summer transfers.

There are just three days left in the January transfer window, so time is running out for any late additions. It seems that Arsenal are focusing on putting in ground work for the summer, when there will be much more time to consider player recruitment and reshaping the squad.

With that in mind, here is the latest transfer news involving the Gunners.

Bayern chase Arsenal target

Martin Zubimendi is a very familiar name for Arsenal fans, who have constantly seen their club linked with the Real Sociedad midfielder. The 24-year-old Spain international has spent his entire senior career with La Real, but could be on the move this summer.

Zubimendi has a €60million (£53m) release clause that Arsenal could trigger – and that financial hurdle isn’t the only one for the club to clear, with Bayern Munich lurking with intent. Bild reports that Bayern have made Zubimendi their top priority transfer target for the summer.

He is their new target after failing to land Fulham ’s Joao Palhinha over the summer. Thomas Tuchel wants a No6 and Zubimendi fits the bill. Bayern’s interest could force Arsenal’s hand.

Zirkzee competition

Arsenal are keeping an eye on Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee as they consider strikers to support Gabriel Jesus.

The 22-year-old forward has nine goals and four assists in 23 games this season and Corriere di Bologna reports that he is being courted by some of the biggest clubs in Europe, with Manchester United and Arsenal the most interested at present.

Things are complicated by the fact that Bayern Munich have a £34m buy-back clause from when they sanctioned his departure from the club in the summer of 2022. That means Arsenal could be competing on two fronts against the German giants this summer.

Barca want Arteta

Mikel Arteta will be on the shortlist to replace Xavi Hernandez as Barcelona manager, according to reports in Spain. On Saturday, Xavi followed Jurgen Klopp ’s lead by announcing he will step down at the end of the season.

“I think the club needs a change of dynamic,” he said. “For the good of the players, I believe that they will free themselves. We play with a lot of tension.”

Barca sporting director Deco is already sounding out potential candidates, with Arteta one of those he’s interested in, alongside Julian Nagelsmann and Klopp. Arteta is very happy at Arsenal and is under contract until June 2025.