Arsenal in battle with 2 Premier League sides to sign €35m-rated Eredivisie breakout star: Reports
Arsenal are set to enter into a transfer battle with Newcastle United and Aston Villa to bring Ajax star Kenneth Taylor to the club, according to Caught Offside (via The Hard Tackle). The €35m-rated central midfielder has had a brilliant season for Ajax so far, playing in 11 matches in the Eredivisie and scoring two goals.
However, Taylor's importance to the Dutch side goes beyond scoring goals. He is responsible for making transitions from defense to attack while also shielding his defenders when out of possession. The 22-year-old has done his job very well amid interest from the Premier League is thus understandable.
Arsenal are keen on bringing Taylor to London in the January transfer window itself, but they will have to stave off competition from Newcastle United and Aston Villa. Taylor can also play in a more defensive midfield role, which could come in handy if moves to the Gunners.
Arsenal also looking at Martin Zubimendi in the January transfer window - Reports
Along with Taylor, Arsenal are also keen on buying Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, according to Fichajes (via The Hard Tackle). The latter has also been linked with Liverpool, with the latter reportedly paying his release clause in the summer transfer window, only for him to turn the offer down and stay put in LaLiga.
If Zubimendi arrives at the Emirates, it's hard to see how Taylor will fit into Mikel Arteta's plans. As things stand, Arsenal already have Declan Rice, Thomas Partey and Jorginho manning the central midfield.
The Gunners have had a mediocre start to the Premier League season and are placed fourth with 19 points in their kitty. They have won just five out of the 11 league matches they have played so far, and this will worry Arteta a lot. They next take on Nottingham Forest at home on 23 November.
The Gunners are a good nine points off the top of the table, with Liverpool leading the charge with 28 points. Following them are Manchester City with 23 points. Third-placed Chelsea are level on points with Arteta's side but are ahead in goal difference.