Arsenal missed out on signing Martin Zubimendi in the summer transfer window – but they could submit a fresh bid for the player in January, according to a report from Football Transfers.

Arsenal were reportedly in contact with Zubimendi’s representatives towards the end of the transfer window, but were unable to finalise a deal before the deadline passed. As such, if they are still interested in bringing him to the club, they will now need to wait until the winter.

It is believed that a move for Zubimendi will only take place if Arsenal can find another club to take on Thomas Partey – the 30-year-old was expected to be joining a club in the Saudi Pro League in the summer, but the transfer did not take place.

Who else, besides Arsenal, are interested in a transfer move for Martin Zubimendi?

Arsenal are not the only club who were thought to be interested in Zubimendi during the summer transfer window – he was also linked with a potential move to Barcelona.

However, it is now very unlikely that this will take place, after he publicly rejected a move to the Catalonian giants back in June [via the London Evening Standard].

As such, should Arsenal resume their pursuit of the Spaniard, they will stand alone in the race – but a lot can change in four months, especially in the world of modern football.

How would Zubimendi improve the squad?

Should Zubimendi be snapped up by the Gunners, he would not necessarily be a regular first team starter – he would, however, provide excellent cover and strength in depth for Declan Rice in the holding midfield role.

When Rice settles into the team, he will revolutionise the way Arsenal play. His brilliant range of passing will allow them to begin counter attacks and control possession much more effectively than last season with Thomas Partey at the base of midfield.

Despite his price tag, Rice has yet to set the world alight at the Emirates Stadium – but he will grow in confidence as time goes by. Bringing in Zubimendi can only be a good thing, as he will provide competition for the England international and force him to be at his best at all times.