Arsenal told to pay £51 million to land January midfield target after recent meeting with player’s agent

Arsenal’s January transfer is expected to be heavily reliant on the club being able to transfer players to raise significant funds.

After 17 games played, the Gunners currently top the table and travel to Anfield this weekend looking to extend their lead to an impressive four points.

However, with only a few weeks to go until the next transfer window, Mikel Arteta has reportedly identified a player he describes as “Generation Z’s Sergio Busquets”.

According to the latest report from David Ornstein of The Atheltic, Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi remains a highly sought after option, although Arsenal’s previous attempts have not gone to plan.

The Spaniard is only 24 years old and is not keen on leaving the Real Arena any time soon, and Edu and other Gunners decision-makers are expected to potentially have to move bodies from the Emirates to raise the funds required to make a deal happen.

Ornstein wrote in his transfer column today: ”Activity in midfield probably depends on whether someone leaves or whether fitness deteriorates.

”For both reasons, we should keep an eye on Thomas Partey and Jorginho, but it’s more realistic to imagine that their futures will be decided after the end of the campaign.
“Arsenal explored the idea of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi 12 months ago and interest remains high. But several factors would need to come together to make this happen.

“Arsenal explored the idea of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi 12 months ago and interest remains high. But several factors would need to come together to make this happen.

“Despite his contract containing a release clause, the Spaniard would have to agree to leave; this has been a stumbling block in the past and could prove a bigger problem as Real Sociedad are in the Champions League round of 16.”

After Arsenal spent more than £100 million on Declan Rice and Kai Havertz during the summer, it seems that the January market will be relatively quiet.

However, Arteta is still involved in three competitions, so he may well come knocking on Edu’s door sooner or later, especially given that north London is likely to lose Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny to the African Championships in the coming weeks.