Mikel Arteta lines up double transfer raid on La Liga with Thomas Partey’s future in doubt
ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has reportedly added La Liga duo Martin Zubimendi and Aurelien Tchouameni to his list of transfer targets.
The Gunners are at risk of losing Thomas Partey in January, with the midfielder allegedly becoming “dissatisfied” with his role at the Emirates Stadium.
Partey, who has made just four Premier League appearances so far this season due to injury, could leave for around £30million when the upcoming transfer window opens.
But Arteta already has already set his sights on two other midfielders.
According to Calciomercato, the Spaniard has expressed an interest in signing both Real Sociedad star Zubimendi and Real Madrid’s Tchouameni.
Arsenal attempted to sign Zubimendi earlier this year, but Real Sociedad didn’t want to sell and the 24-year-old was reluctant to leave.
He now has a £53m release clause in his contract, so he could be snapped up as soon as January.
However, Barcelona have also expressed an interest in signing him, with Xavi a known admirer.
In January, the Barca boss admitted: “He (Zubimendi) is a more physical and faster player than (Sergio) Busquets, who is technically better.
“But not only Zubimendi, all of Real Sociedad’s midfield players. We are playing a great team and Zubimendi is a great footballer.”
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Tchouameni has also emerged as a top target for Arsenal, but he will likely come with a significantly higher transfer fee.
The Frenchman joined Real Madrid in an £85m transfer from Monaco last summer and has since made 64 first team appearances.
Should either player join the Gunners, they will link up with record signing Declan Rice in midfield.
Rice left West Ham to join Arsenal in a £105m transfer this summer and has since established himself as a key first team player and fan favourite.