Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners want Martin Zubimendi, club eyeing Youssouf Fofana, and more - April 28, 2024
Arsenal welcome Tottenham Hotspur to the Emirates on Sunday, April 28, in their next game in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta's men cannot afford to drop points with Manchester City hot on their heels in the title race.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are keen on Martin Zubimendi this summer. Elsewhere, the north London side are interested in Youssouf Fofana.
On that note, let's take a look at the major Arsenal transfer news from April 28, 2024.
Arsenal want Martin Zubimendi, says journalist
Arsenal have retained their interest in Martin Zubimendi, according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs. The Spanish midfielder has been in top form over the years for Real Sociedad and the Gunners have been eyeing him for a while. Mikel Arteta remains keen to reinforce his options in the middle of the park and Zubimendi is his preferred choice for the job.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, however, Jacobs insisted that a move will be tough to complete as the player is settled at the Reale Arena.
“Zubimendi appears to be more of a concrete target [than Douglas Luiz], but it has complications as well because the player is still very settled at Real Sociedad. He obviously is thinking very long and hard about whether he’s prepared to move, and has done historically as well," said Jacobs.
He continued:
“But despite the fact that Arsenal were not already able in previous windows to land Zubimendi, he’s still there. And it’s an indication really that Arsenal want to strengthen in that position.”
Zubimendi recently stated that he remains happy at the La Liga club.
Gunners eyeing Youssouf Fofana
Arsenal are planning to take Youssouf Fofana to the Emirates this summer, according to Fichajes.net. The French midfielder has caught the eye with Monaco this season, registering three goals and three assists from 31 games across competitions. His efforts have turned heads at clubs across Europe, and his contract with the Ligue 1 side is set to expire at the end of next season.
The Gunners also have the 25-year-old on their wish list as they look to add more quality to the middle of the park. Thomas Partey is likely to leave the Emirates at the end of this season, while Jorginho's future also remains up in the air. Recent reports have suggested that Mohamed Elneny will not be offered a new deal either, so a new midfielder is fast becoming a priority under Mikel Arteta.
Fofana has been identified as an option, but the north London side will face competition from Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) as well as AC Milan for his services.
Arsenal not in talks for Gabriel Magalhaes renewal, says Fabrizio Romano.
Arsenal are not working to tie Gabriel Magalhaes down to a new deal, according to acclaimed journalist Fabrizio Romano. The Brazilian defender has been a rock at the back this season and remains a crucial part of Mikel Arteta's setup at the Emirates. Gabriel has appeared 46 times across competitions this season, forging a stellar partnership with William Saliba. Recent reports have suggested that the Gunners are planning to reward him with a new contract.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Romano refuted those claims.
“There have been reports of Gabriel Magalhaes possibly being set to be offered a new Arsenal contract after another superb season from the Brazilian centre-back at the Emirates Stadium,” wrote Romano.
He continued:
“He’s certainly a fantastic defender who’s had a fantastic season, but for now I’m not aware of anything advanced or concrete at this stage, it’s still early; it’s something that Arsenal will discuss in the future months, nothing imminent or urgent as Gabriel has three years left on his contract and there’s no urgency. Of course, Gabriel is happy at Arsenal, they love him, and it will be discussed at the right moment,” wrote Romano.
Gabriel could face competition for a first team place next season once Jurrien Timber returns to full fitness.