Arsenal target 'next Modric' after Real Madrid snub

Cameron Smith

11 Apr 2025 06:30 CDT
3 min read

Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Dinamo Zagreb midfielder Martin Baturina during the upcoming summer transfer window.

The Gunners are expected to heavily back Mikel Arteta in the market ahead of the 2025-26 campaign and Baturina has emerged as one of the club’s key transfer targets.

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Current ETV

Martin Baturina

M, AM (C)

Dinamo Zagreb

Martin Baturina

M, AM (C)

Dinamo Zagreb

ETV Range

€18.2M - €22.3M

That is according to TBR Football, who report that Arsenal have joined Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United in the race to secure Baturina’s signature this summer.

The 22-year-old has been frequently compared to Real Madrid legend Luka Modric since his breakthrough at Dinamo Zagreb and he has already racked up 11 caps for the Croatia national team.

In fact, Baturina was tipped to join Modric at the Santiago Bernabeu last summer, but he rejected a move to Los Blancos in order to continue his development at Dinamo Zagreb for a further year.

However, he is now set to leave his homeland this summer and multiple clubs across Europe are expected to battle for his signature as the race to sign him heats up.

© IMAGO - Martin Baturina, Dinamo Zagreb

Arsenal’s summer transfer plans

Although Arsenal have registered their interest in Baturina, a move for the Croatian youngster appears slightly unlikely as things stand given their alternative transfer targets.

FootballTransfers understands that Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad) and Sverre Nypan (Rosenborg) both remain priority signings for Arsenal this summer, with Arteta eager to bolster his midfield options to replace the outgoing Thomas Partey and Jorginho.

In addition, the Gunners are also set to target a new left winger and a new centre forward, while the club are likely to sign a back-up goalkeeper when Neto returns to Bournemouth following his loan spell in north London.

Nico Williams (Athletic Club) and Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP) are both being targeted by Arsenal in their bid to improve Arteta’s attacking options, although the Gunners will face significant competition to land the pair from the likes of Barcelona, Chelsea and Man Utd.