Arsenal may turn their attention to Bruno Guimaraes and Douglas Luiz amid concerns landing Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi may be 'difficult'.

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Arsenal targeting Sociedad's Zubimendi Face competition from Barca and Bayern Gunners turn to Bruno and Luiz instead WHAT HAPPENED?

According to the Evening Standard, the Gunners want to sign at least one midfielder this summer and have had Zubimendi on their radar for quite some time. The report adds the 25-year-old has been reluctant to leave his boyhood club amid interest from Bayern Munich and Barcelona. As that transfer proves difficult, Mikel Arteta's men could move for Newcastle United's Guimaraes and Villa's Luiz but both clubs are reluctant to sell – unless a huge offer comes in.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Arsenal are reportedly preparing to overhaul much of their midfield for next season, with Jorginho, 32, out of contract this summer, as is Mohamed Elneny, 31, while Thomas Partey, 30, has one year left on his deal. It is likely the Gunners will have to sell before they can strengthen their midfield – especially after spending £100 million ($130m) on Declan Rice in 2023.

DID YOU KNOW?

The Standard claim the defensive midfielder is keen to play for Xabi Alonso again, after coaching him at Real Sociedad B and then helping him break into the first-team there. Had the 42-year-old swapped Bayer Leverkusen for Bayern Munich next season, Zubimendi was expected to follow suit but that may not happen after Alonso's decision to stay put.

WHAT NEXT?

While the transfer rumours around these three players will continue to rumble on, including when the transfer window opens in mid-June, Zubimendi's Sociedad side entertain Real Madrid on Friday night in La Liga action.