Arsenal considered signing 23years old Spainish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad as a replacement for Moises Caicedo before opting for Jorginho.
Arsenal’s pursuit of a midfield reinforcement saw the club consider several options, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking in his Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside, Romano confirmed that the Gunners held an interest in Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, but Jorginho ultimately became the priority once it was clear that a move for Brighton’s Moises Caicedo would not materialize.
Jorginho boasts a wealth of experience, having won both the Champions League and Europa League with Chelsea, as well as earning a Euro 2020 winner’s medal with Italy. Despite this, Romano suggests that Zubimendi, a 23-year-old with a promising future, may be a target for Arsenal once again in the future.
The North London club was also linked with a move for Ajax midfielder Edson Alvarez, though Romano believes there is little truth to these rumors at present.
“Martin Zubimendi is one of the players Arsenal also considered for their midfield, but Jorginho was a good option and they decided to proceed for him because Mikel Arteta is a big fan and wanted Jorginho when the Moises Caicedo deal collapsed,” Romano stated. “Regarding Edson Alvarez, I am aware of the links to Arsenal and other clubs, but it is currently quiet on that front.”
In addition to Jorginho, Arsenal also brought in Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior during the January transfer window, while Cedric Soares and Albert Sambi Lokonga left the club on loan deals.