Arsenal must recruit well during the January transfer window if they are to end their 19-year wait for a Premier League title this term.
The Gunners are top of the Premier League table heading into the second half of the campaign. They have already signed Leandro Trossard from Brighton to give them more firepower up front and agreed a deal to sign Spezia defender Jakub Kiwior.
Trossard and Kiwior are both welcomed additions, but Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could add another player or two to his impressive squad before the January window slams shut. Here are the latest transfer rumours from the Emirates.
Zubimendi going nowhere
Martin Zubimendi is not interested in joining Arsenal in January, according to Spanish outlet Carrusel Deportivo.
Zubimendi, 23, has made a name for himself at Real Sociedad over the last few seasons. He’s played 120 senior games for the Spanish club and helped them win the Copa del Rey in April 2021 – beating Athletic Bilbao 1-0 in a final that was delayed from the previous term.
Zubimendi has also won a senior cap for Spain and was part of the squad that won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics in August 2021. It is claimed his good CV has attracted Arsenal, who are willing to pay his €60million (£52.7m) release clause.
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Yet Zubimendi reportedly wants to stay at Sociedad until the summer to see through their LaLiga title bid. Imanol Alguacil’s side are third in the table – three points behind leaders Barcelona having played two games more – after winning five consecutive games.
Sociedad have also reached the last 16 of the Europa League and the quarter-finals of the Copa del Rey. They will play Barcelona in the latter competition.
Patino’s contract talks
Arsenal are close to offering Charlie Patino a new contract, according to GiveMeSport.
Patino, 19, is out of contract at the end of the term. As reported by the Daily Mail in December, the Gunners will trigger an automatic two-year extension in his existing deal – which will give them time to discuss a new long-term contract with the midfielder.
At the time, it was suggested that no formal conversations had taken place between Arsenal and Patino’s representatives. While that is still thought to be the case, the Gunners are keen to get the England U20 international’s future sorted sooner rather than later.
Patino joined Blackpool on a season-long loan deal at the beginning of the season and is flourishing in the Championship. He’s featured 21 times in the division, with most of those being starts. Blackpool appointed Mick McCarthy as their new manager last week.
Arsenal after Fresneda
The Gunners are interested in signing Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda, according to GOAL.
It is believed Arsenal are in talks with Fresneda’s agent over a deal for the 18-year-old, who is enjoying a breakthrough season. The Spain U19 international has made 12 senior appearances for Valladolid and has two-and-a-half years remaining on his existing deal.
Fresneda’s agent was reportedly at Arsenal’s training ground last week to discuss a possible transfer. It is unclear whether a move would be completed now or in the summer, as Arteta already has two right-backs at his disposal in Ben White and Takehiro Tomiyasu. Cedric Soares is also still on Arsenal’s books, although he could leave this month.
Newcastle are also said to be interested in signing Fresneda. Valladolid are 18th in the LaLiga table and fighting relegation, which gives them an incentive to keep the youngster. There is a chance a deal could be agreed six months in advance, for example.
