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Arsenal can gain edge over Liverpool in transfer race for Martin Zubimendi after Edu decision

Martin Zubimendi could join Spain teammates David Raya and Mikel Merino at Arsenal
-Credit: (Image: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)


Arsenal are looking to find the answers to their squad problems this January and the subsequent summer transfer windows. Injuries to key players has revealed gaps which perhaps were not as obvious until certain stars were missing.

Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard have been big losses in key games for the Gunners and as a result Arsenal have dropped points successively and find themselves now nine behind Liverpool. Two draws and two defeats plus the loss in the Champions League at Inter Milan worsened the mood.

Naturally, when form dips, the squad is scrutinised and the market is seen as the primary answer by many. With the resignation of Edu Gaspar as sporting director, however, this has raised questions how the forthcoming windows will be affected.

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It has not stopped the links to potential players however and one name has again re-emerged after previous suggestions of Gunners interest. Spain international and Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi was close to a move to Liverpool in the summer but he instead decided to stay.

One of those involved in negotiations with the Reds was soon-to-leave director of football Roberto Olabe. Olabe is due to resign from his position and will leave at the end of the season after two spells with the club and helping La Real to return regularly to the Champions League and win a Copa del Rey title, the club’s first trophy in more than 30 years.

Arsenal have reportedly made a proposal that is seen as an attractive one by Olabe to be the potential replacement of Edu. Olabe and Mikel Arteta know each other well and he could be the perfect replacement for the Brazilian.

It could also help with any potential move for the likes of Zubimendi. Olabe negotiated the exit of Mikel Merino to Arsenal in the summer and reuniting the pair could bring the Gunners the consistency they need in midfield.

The depth is also a key factor as Declan Rice’s alleged broken toe which sees him miss this week’s England games and the knowledge that Thomas Partey and Jorginho’s deals expire come the end of the season means investment in midfield is necessary. That said, Liverpool’s interest has not waned and Arsenal may need to find an edge to win the race.

Olabe could be that edge and while he will be tasked with signing players well away from Spain, as he has done successfully for Real Sociedad, it could be that this particular move is just one too good not to consider.