Arsenal Transfer News Today: Zubimendi RESPONDS, Vlahovic CONSPIRACY, Jorginho TALKS

Tom Weber

Updated: 15 Jan 2025 19:14 GMT
4 min read

Martin Zubimendi, Real Sociedad, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Arsenal seemingly broke the transfer market on Tuesday when news got out that they were on the verge of striking a deal for Martin Zubimendi.

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It was a story that came out of absolutely nowhere and appeared to really kickstart the Gunners' January business. The deal is not official, so doubts remain, while Arsenal continue to scour the market for other options.

With Gabriel Jesus set to be sidelined for the rest of the season, Arsenal are still perenially linked with strikers and could try to bring their projected summer move for a No.9 forward to the winter.

Martin Zubimendi responds to links

Following the news of Arsenal having 'virtually completed' a deal to sign Martin Zubimendi in the summer, Spanish media has sought to play down the links with the Gunners.

AS claims that nothing has been decided yet and that 'at the moment there is nothing' to the new rumours surrounding his future. Zubimendi is as committed as ever to Real Sociedad and is actually said to be frustrated and worn out by the constant transfer speculation.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano states that negotiations between Arsenal and Zubimendi are ongoing and proceeding well. He insists that Arsenal are pushing hard to complete the deal but acknowledges that there is still work to be done.

Arsenal's striker emergency

According to The Independent, Arsenal could bring forward their pursuit of a 'project attacker' following Gabriel Jesus' ACL injury. Viktor Gyokeres, Evan Ferguson and Juventus-bound Randal Kolo Muani have come up in discussions.

As reported yesterday and exclusively revealed by FootballTransfers in December, Benjamin Sesko is viewed as the perfect option by Mikel Arteta due to his profile of being physical but also very adept technically.

Dusan Vlahovic conspiracy

Arsenal also hold an interest in Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic and FootballTransfers reported earlier this week that they made an opening bid that was rejected by the Bianconeri.

Vlahovic has missed Juventus' past two games due to injury but there is a 'conspiracy' among fans of the Old Lady that holds that the Serbian is actually out precisely for the opposite reason: to avoid injury so that he can be sold this month.

Juventus are keen to shift Vlahovic's massive wages and are open to selling. The signing of Randal Kolo Muani, albeit only on loan without a purchase option, will only increase the speculation.

Jorginho heading back to Brazil?

According to O Globo, Arsenal midfielder Jorginho could be on his way back to Brazil. The Italy international, born in Brazil, is reportedly in talks with Rio de Janeiro giants Flamengo.

The 33-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and is facing an uncertain future. Flamengo would like to bring him in as early as January but it is unclear if Arsenal are willing to entertain a winter sale.