Arsenal set asking price for Martin Zubimendi after Guimaraes signing
Arsenal have reportedly set an asking price for Martin Zubimendi following the £75m arrival of Bruno Guimaraes.
The Brazilian midfielder has completed his big-money move to Emirates Stadium after making his desire to join the Gunners public.
His high-profile signing has immediately cast doubt over the future of existing players within Mikel Arteta’s squad.
Reports suggest the North London club are now willing to listen to offers for their Spanish international, just one year after securing his signature.
Falling down the pecking order
The 25-year-old was heavily pursued by Arteta before finally making the switch to the English capital last summer.
He arrived with a burgeoning reputation, having dominated the midfield for his country against England in the Euro 2024 final.
However, elite clubs constantly seek marginal gains in key areas of the pitch.
While Declan Rice remains untouchable at the heart of the team, competition for the remaining midfield slots has intensified.
Warning signs for the Spaniard
The Euro 2024 winner started 34 of his side’s 38 league matches last season, but his influence noticeably waned during the run-in.
He found himself named among the substitutes for three of the final four fixtures of the campaign.
A particularly difficult afternoon occurred against West Ham, where the midfielder suffered the indignity of being substituted on and off.
Introduced in the 28th minute for an injured Ben White, he lasted less than 40 minutes before being replaced by Kai Havertz.
It is never easy to do that to a player, especially someone with Martin’s quality.
Mikel Arteta
Champions League omission
The situation worsened weeks later during the club’s Champions League final against Paris St-Germain.
Teenage prospect Myles Lewis-Skelly was trusted to start the European showpiece ahead of his more experienced colleague.
The Spanish anchor remained an unused substitute for the entire evening.
With Guimaraes now added to an increasingly congested midfield department, a premature exit from London appears increasingly likely.