Arsenal has shown interest in acquiring Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, but the deal might be deemed “too expensive” for the 2024 winter transfer window, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook. The club appears content with its existing options in the striker position at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal squad experienced significant reinforcements during the 2023 summer transfer market. However, efforts to secure deals in the current window have faced challenges as Arteta seeks to enhance his team’s alternatives.
Looking to build on their 2022/23 season and vie for their first Premier League title since 2004, Arsenal has predominantly relied on Gabriel Jesus in the center-forward role. Nevertheless, Jesus has recently faced criticism for a perceived lack of performance.
The winter transfer window for Arsenal has been notably subdued. The club, having already allocated a substantial portion of its budget earlier in the season, made four first-team signings during the 2023/24 campaign, spending around £200m on players like Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, Declan Rice, and David Raya. The acquisition of Rice set a record for the club and British player signings, involving a reported £105m payment to West Ham United.
Given the significant spending in the summer, Arsenal aims to adhere to the Premier League’s financial regulations and is unlikely to make substantial investments in the current winter window. However, Arteta may consider signing a dedicated center-forward in the future, particularly after Jesus faced criticism for his goal-scoring record in the Premier League during the 2023/24 season. The 26-year-old has scored only three times in 16 top-flight appearances this term, a form not characteristic of a title-winning center-forward. Despite the potential need for reinforcement, Arsenal is cautious about significant expenditures amid the current transfer landscape, where top clubs are reluctant to release key assets mid-season.
