Arsenal have now joined Real Madrid in the race to sign a “powerful” midfielder from a Champions League club, it has been revealed.
Gunners join race for another new midfielder
Mikel Arteta strengthened his squad considerably in the summer transfer window, with Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard arriving to bolster the midfield options, and the Spain international has made a flying start to life in the Premier League.
There have been suggestions that Zubimendi has already established himself as one of the best midfielders in the top flight, having formed a partnership with Declan Rice, with the duo creating three big chances between them in the 4-0 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.
With the likes of Mikel Merino, Eberechi Eze and Martin Odegaard also on the books, Arteta appears to be well-stocked in both defensive and attacking midfield areas, but the north Londoners have now joined the race to sign a Serie A star.
That is according to a report from Spain, which states Arsenal are now monitoring Juventus midfielder Khephren Thuram, who has an asking price of €70m (£61m), amid interest from a number of Europe’s biggest clubs.
Real Madrid and Liverpool are also in the race for Thuram, who has established himself as an important player since arriving at the Serie A club in the summer of 2024, and it could be difficult to get a deal done.
Indeed, considering the midfielder has emerged as an important player and remains under contract until 2029, it could be tricky to tempt Juventus into a sale, but there is certainly interest on the Gunners’ behalf.
“Powerful” Thuram impressing in the Serie A
The France international, who Arteta is a huge fan of, has impressed considerably since returning to the country of his birth, catching the eye with his dribbling skills and ability to score goals and create chances for his teammates over the past year.
Statistic
Average per 90 (past year)
Non-penalty goals
0.15 (83rd percentile)
Successful take-ons
1.34 (95th percentile)
Progressive carries
2.60 (94th percentile)
Assists
0.15 (79th percentile)
Scout Ben Mattinson has also suggested the 24-year-old is a well-rounded midfielder, describing him as “balanced”, while praising the maestro for his “powerful carrying”, “physicality” and “quick feet.”
The Italy-born maestro, who has 13 Champions League appearances to his name, clearly has the talent to succeed at the Emirates Stadium, but there is no pressing need for Arteta to bring in a new midfielder anytime soon.
With Zubimendi showing his class ever since his arrival, Norgaard on the books as a back-up option, and Rice continuing to impress, chipping in with four goal contributions in the Premier League so far this season, the Arsenal boss already has plenty of top-quality options to choose from.
