Arsenal's Summer Transfer Strategy: Free vs. Big Money

🚀 Arsenal’s Midfield Revolution: Kimmich & Zubimendi in the Spotlight! 🔴⚪

Arsenal is gearing up for an ambitious summer transfer window as they aim to bolster their midfield ahead of the 2025/26 season. With Thomas Partey and Jorginho nearing the end of their contracts, the Gunners are exploring elite replacements.

Two key names have emerged in their quest for midfield supremacy:

🔴 Joshua Kimmich – The versatile Bayern Munich star who could arrive on a free transfer.

🔴 Martín Zubimendi – Real Sociedad’s highly rated midfielder with a €60 million release clause.

With top clubs like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Barcelona lurking in the background, Arsenal faces stiff competition. But could Mikel Arteta's vision and Arsenal’s resurgence in the Premier League sway these superstars? Let’s dive deep into the latest transfer developments, statistics, and expert insights!

🔥 Joshua Kimmich: A Tactical Genius Arsenal Needs?

🏆 A Decorated Star with Elite Experience

At 30 years old, Joshua Kimmich is one of the most accomplished footballers of his generation:

✅ 8x Bundesliga Champion 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆

✅ UEFA Champions League Winner (2019/20) 🏆

✅ DFB-Pokal Winner (3x) 🏆🏆🏆

✅ FIFA Club World Cup Champion 🌍🏆

✅ Germany’s Vice-Captain – 97 International Caps 🇩🇪

Kimmich has played over 400 matches for Bayern Munich, contributing 41 goals and 100+ assists across all competitions. His ability to play in multiple positions makes him a dream signing for any club.

🎯 Arsenal’s Need for Tactical Versatility

One of the biggest strengths Kimmich brings is his ability to seamlessly transition between:

🔹 Defensive Midfielder (CDM) – A natural successor to Jorginho 🏹

🔹 Right-Back (RB) – A tactical option if Ben White shifts centrally ⚡

🔹 Box-to-Box Midfielder (CM) – A player in the Ilkay Gündoğan mold 🚀

Arsenal has struggled with injuries and consistency in the defensive midfield role. Thomas Partey has been unreliable due to injuries, while Declan Rice has played in an advanced role. Kimmich’s arrival would allow Arteta to:

✅ Rotate effectively across midfield and defense 🔄

✅ Improve leadership in crucial moments 🗣️

✅ Enhance possession control & distribution 🎯

🔥 The Transfer Race: Arsenal vs. Liverpool vs. Man City

Despite Arsenal’s direct approach, two major rivals are also keen on securing Kimmich:

🔴 Liverpool – Want Kimmich as a potential right-back replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold if he moves to Real Madrid.

🔵 Manchester City – Pep Guardiola sees Kimmich as a multi-functional player, similar to João Cancelo’s past role.

With Bayern Munich withdrawing their contract extension offer, Kimmich is now weighing his options. According to reports, Arsenal has:

✅ Held discussions with Kimmich’s representatives 📞

✅ Offered a lucrative contract matching his Bayern wages 💰

✅ Assured him a key leadership role in the squad 🎩

💰 Financial Aspects of the Deal

Since Kimmich is a free agent in the summer, Arsenal only needs to negotiate wages and signing-on fees. His current salary at Bayern is around £300,000 per week, which Arsenal could afford if they:

1️⃣ Offload Partey’s £200,000-per-week wages

2️⃣ Let Jorginho leave on a free transfer

3️⃣ Spread Kimmich’s signing bonus over multiple seasons

This makes Kimmich an attractive option compared to spending £80-100M on a transfer fee for a younger midfielder.

⚡ Martín Zubimendi: The Long-Term Solution?

🌟 A Rising Star in La Liga

Martín Zubimendi is considered one of La Liga’s best midfielders, attracting interest from:

🔵 Barcelona – Xavi sees him as the perfect replacement for Sergio Busquets.

🔴 Manchester United – Keen to rebuild their midfield with younger talents.

🔴 Arsenal – Mikel Arteta’s admiration for Zubimendi is well-documented.

At 24 years old, Zubimendi has already played over 150 matches for Real Sociedad, winning the Copa del Rey (2020/21) and helping the club qualify for the Champions League.

🎯 Why Arsenal Wants Zubimendi

Zubimendi’s playstyle resembles Rodri (Manchester City) and Sergio Busquets (Barcelona):

✅ Exceptional Defensive Awareness – Averages 2.3 interceptions per game 🛡️

✅ Elite Passing Ability – 90% pass completion rate 🎯

✅ Physical & Tactical Intelligence – Can dictate play against pressing teams 🧠

🔹 If Arsenal fails to sign Kimmich, they could trigger Zubimendi’s €60 million release clause and bring him in as a long-term midfield anchor.

🤔 The Challenge: Does Zubimendi Want to Leave?

While Arsenal is willing to pay his release clause, Zubimendi has repeatedly stated:

❌ He’s happy at Real Sociedad 💙

❌ He has no intention of leaving this summer 🚫

❌ His coach believes he’ll stay for another season

However, Arsenal believes a Champions League project and a higher salary offer could convince him to join.

🔥 Tactical Breakdown: Who Fits Arsenal Better?