Arsenal open talks to sign £52m defensive midfielder “one of the best players in Europe”

Arsenal have been in talks to sign “one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe”, and the deal will be in place for €60m (£52m) this summer.

Arsenal are on the lookout for a new midfielder after Arteta Zubimendi’s big call-up

Since arriving last summer, Martin Zubimendi has established himself as a key player for the Gunners, playing in every Premier League game, but has fallen behind Myles Lewis-Skelly in terms of selection in recent weeks.

Zubimendi was on the bench for the last two games, with Ben White coming on before the 30th minute ended in a 1-0 win over West Ham United, before Kai Havertz was sent off in the second half, when the score was still 0-0.

Podcast host Adam Keys recently came out in support of the Spaniard, saying: “Martin Zubimendi changed #Arsenal’s pitch when he arrived; only Raya and Rice played more minutes than him. Scored big goals, did very well, played very well in the squad, and topped the line with passes. Stop being rude.”

However, Arsenal are now keen to sign a new midfielder in the summer transfer window, and have been in contact over a deal for Sporting CP star Mortej Hjulmand, according to a report from Caught Offside.

Source added: “Arsenal have just been contacted, Man United are also asking for information. Sports have given the clubs a signal – he has 80 million euros, but they started negotiations with around 60 million euros and there is a chance he could leave.

“This is their model, and it has been for a long time. They know that this is an opportunity to make a big profit for a player, and he will be eager to rise to the top.”

A price tag of €60m (£52m) is high, but it could be a sum worth paying for Andrea Berta, with the Dane hailed as “one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe” by commentator Alex Brice.

The 26-year-old has two goals and four assists to his name in 26 Liga Portugal games this season, while a 2.3-per-90 strike rate puts him third in Sporting’s squad.

Ederson made a decision to join Arsenal or Man Utd

Arsenal and Manchester United are likely to battle it out for the Denmark international’s signature, and both Premier League sides are in the race to sign Atalanta star Ederson, with Berta known to be a big fan.

However, it looks like Man United will win the race to sign the Brazilian, as it is reported that he has agreed a five-year contract at Old Trafford.

Hjulmand has proven to be a solid alternative to Ederson, but he’s not the only midfielder interested, with a shocking new name now on the shortlist.

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