Arsenal Eyes Midfield Reinforcements: World-Class Talent to Join Zubimendi in Arteta’s Vision
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could make a move for Aston Villa star Boubacar Kamara in the summer transfer window, according to reports – though he may have to act quickly, with the in-demand star thought to be in contract extension talks with the Villans.
Kamara, just 25 years of age, already has almost 200 league appearances to his name for Marseille and Villa combined, as well as five French national team caps, and 13 appearances at Champions League level. And that could see Arsenal make a move for him in what will be a busy summer under new transfer director Andrea Berta.
Report: Arsenal ‘Have Watched’ Boubacar Kamara
The Aston Villa star has been in fine form this season
Aston Villa’s Boubacar Kamara
The report by TBR Football states that the Gunners are likely to bolster their ranks in the summer transfer window, with new midfield stars being in their sights – and as a result of Kamara’s superb form under former Arsenal boss Unai Emery in his time in the West Midlands, that has seen the north London outfit register their interest in the star, who has been dubbed ‘world-class’.
Boubacar Kamara’s Premier League statistics – Aston Villa squad ranking
Stats
Output
Squad rank
Appearances
19
=13th
Clearances Per Game
2.1
7th
Tackles Per Game
2.3
2nd
Interceptions Per Game
0.7
=5th
Match rating
6.61
10th
Deemed to be ‘circling’ for the Villa lynchpin, the Gunners have watched Kamara throughout the campaign as they look for long-term replacements for Jorginho and Thomas Partey, who are both expected to leave the club in the summer once their contracts run out.
Villa are thought to have spoken with Kamara’s representatives over a new deal, having become a key player in recent months, but his deal runs out in 2027. And, although the former Ligue 1 metronome is ‘in line’ for a bumper new deal that could be agreed before the campaign finishes, Kamara is still a player wanted by Arteta.
Declan Rice has shown his proficiency further up the pitch, and with Mikel Merino also able to play in the centre of midfield, two names may be needed to compete for minutes if the club are to finally win the Premier League in what seems to be three unsuccessful title challenges in a row – which could also see them land Martin Zubimendi.
Whilst Arsenal will be looking for a striker to lead their line and a winger to take any immediate pressure off Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka, midfield will be a key area of reinforcement – and Kamara’s experience and talent would be an ideal upgrade for Arteta if he does complete a move for the versatile star.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 06-04-25.
Mikel Arteta of Arsenal FC
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Arsenal Football Club, under the guidance of Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu Gaspar, has made tremendous strides in recent seasons. From a team in transition to a genuine title contender, the Gunners have transformed themselves into one of the most tactically intelligent and technically sound teams in Europe. However, if there’s one area the North London side continues to focus on strengthening, it’s central midfield — the heart of Arteta’s system.
With increasing reports linking Arsenal to Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi, a player long admired by Arteta, the club’s ambition appears even broader. Sources suggest that Arsenal is not content with signing just one midfield anchor — they are actively pursuing a second, world-class midfielder to join forces with Zubimendi and revolutionize their engine room.
Zubimendi: The Long-Term Target
Martín Zubimendi has been on Arsenal’s radar for over a year now. A product of Real Sociedad’s youth academy, the 25-year-old has quietly built a reputation as one of the most technically gifted defensive midfielders in La Liga. Known for his positional discipline, tactical awareness, and crisp passing range, Zubimendi is considered an ideal replacement — and upgrade — for Jorginho and even an eventual successor to Thomas Partey, whose injuries and inconsistency have been a concern.
What makes Zubimendi particularly attractive to Arteta is his intelligence off the ball. He understands space like few others, frequently intercepts play, and initiates transitions without losing composure. Zubimendi also carries out his duties without the need for flamboyance, which aligns perfectly with Arteta’s structured and methodical philosophy.
Crucially, Zubimendi has a release clause in the region of €60 million — a hefty fee, but one Arsenal is reportedly prepared to pay to secure a player they believe can be a midfield mainstay for years.
The Need for a Second World-Class Midfielder
While Zubimendi could provide the defensive steel and control from deep, Arsenal recognizes that a single signing won’t be sufficient. The demands of competing on multiple fronts — Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups — require depth, versatility, and top-tier quality across the midfield.
Declan Rice has been an immense signing, bringing leadership and physicality, while Martin Ødegaard continues to thrive in a more advanced role. However, the middle of the park still needs a dynamic partner — someone who can operate box-to-box, contribute creatively, and offer experience at the highest level.
This is where Arsenal’s ambition to sign a world-class midfielder alongside Zubimendi becomes clear. Arteta is looking for someone who can complement both Zubimendi and Rice, offering tactical fluidity and allowing the team to seamlessly shift between different formations, such as the 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1.
Potential Targets: Who Could Fit the Bill?
While names haven’t been officially confirmed, several top-tier midfielders have been loosely linked with Arsenal, sparking speculation about who might join Zubimendi in North London.
1. Frenkie de Jong (Barcelona)
De Jong is a player who has been admired across Europe for his technical brilliance and composure. He can carry the ball, break lines, and dictate the tempo — all while staying defensively responsible. With Barcelona’s ongoing financial challenges, a summer departure isn’t off the table, and Arsenal could be tempted to test the waters. De Jong’s combination with Zubimendi could provide Arteta with a midfield pairing reminiscent of the best Spanish duos in recent memory.
2. Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United)
Another high-profile target is Bruno Guimarães, who has been a standout performer for Newcastle. His energy, creativity, and tenacity make him a perfect Premier League-ready midfielder. Arsenal were previously linked with him before his move to Tyneside, and if Newcastle fails to secure European qualification, Guimarães could be persuaded to join a club competing at the highest level. His presence next to Zubimendi and Rice would form one of the most complete midfields in Europe.
3. Joshua Kimmich (Bayern Munich)
A surprise but ambitious target, Kimmich is entering the final phase of his Bayern contract. Known for his leadership, vision, and defensive work rate, Kimmich can play as a central midfielder or a right-back — giving Arteta valuable flexibility. With Bayern in transition and Kimmich possibly seeking a new challenge, Arsenal could view him as the experienced, elite-level addition needed to guide a young squad to silverware.
4. Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)
Though highly unlikely, Valverde is another name that has surfaced in speculative reports. His dynamism, stamina, and ability to contribute in both attack and defense make him one of the most complete midfielders in the world. It would take a massive bid and the right circumstances to pry him away from Madrid, but Arsenal’s growing status may at least allow them to be part of the conversation.
Tactical Flexibility and Depth
Bringing in both Zubimendi and a second top-tier midfielder would not only strengthen Arsenal’s starting XI but would also provide Arteta with the tactical depth necessary for a grueling season. It would allow him to rest key players without sacrificing quality, rotate effectively between competitions, and deploy different styles of play depending on the opposition.
Imagine a midfield three of Rice, Zubimendi, and Ødegaard — supported by a bench featuring another world-class midfielder, Fabio Vieira, Emile Smith Rowe, or even a returning Thomas Partey. That level of competition and variety would make Arsenal a formidable force both domestically and in Europe.
A Statement of Intent
Arsenal’s ambition in the transfer market is no longer limited to potential or promise. The club is now in a position to attract world-class talent and is willing to spend big to ensure Arteta has the tools he needs. The double midfield signing strategy — Zubimendi plus an elite partner — is a statement of intent. It signals to rivals, fans, and players alike that Arsenal is serious about sustained success.
Arteta’s project is reaching maturity, and with key pillars like Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelli, and Declan Rice already in place, the addition of two midfield stars could be the final piece in the puzzle.
Conclusion
In modern football, control of the midfield is often what separates champions from challengers. Arsenal understands this better than most, having seen their title hopes fade due in part to injuries and lack of depth in that area. With Zubimendi poised to join, and plans to secure a world-class partner alongside him, the Gunners are gearing up for a new era — one where they’re not just fighting for trophies, but lifting them.
This summer could be decisive, not just for Arsenal’s midfield — but for the club’s future as a European powerhouse.
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