Arsenal told £50m transfer target is ‘perfect midfielder’ as Arteta is encouraged to snub Luiz and Onana

SPANISH midfielder Martin Zubimendi would be the “perfect midfielder” for Arsenal, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The Gunners have been linked with Aston Villa man Douglas Luiz and Everton star Amadou Onana as they bid to bolster the options in the middler of the park during the January window.

Mikel Arteta is being linked with a number of midfielders in the January windowGetty

Real Sociedad man Martin Zubimendi is being linked with a move to the EmiratesGetty

But Romano believes Real Sociedad’s Zubimendi is the best option for Mikel Arteta‘s men.

Speaking in his CaughtOffside column, he said: “We’ve had a lot of stories about Arsenal and different midfielders in recent times, with big names like Douglas Luiz, Amadou Onana and Martin Zubimendi linked with the Gunners.

“It looks difficult for a deal to happen this January, but we’ll see if the situation is different in the summer.

“So, which of those players would be the best fit for Mikel Arteta’s side? My personal feeling is that Zubimendi would be fantastic, even if Onana and Luiz have the advantage of both already knowing the Premier League.

“Zubimendi is fantastic player, he can help with his vision, quality and intelligence on the ball – he’s the perfect midfielder.

“Still, it’s important to say that he’s very happy at Real Sociedad, only focused on his club and he already rejected chances to leave in the recent years as he always wanted to stay there.”

Holding midfielder Zubimendi, 24, came through at Sociedad in 2019 and has played 172 games for the first team, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists.

Barcelona are also understood to be interested in signing the talented Spaniard – who has earned four caps for his country.

FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES

Arsenal have been interested in Douglas Luiz since the summerGetty

Amadou Onana is another midfielder linked with a switch to the EmiratesGetty

But, as outlined by Romano, Zubimendi has repeatedly stated his desire to remain with Sociedad for the foreseeable future.

Meanwhile, Arsenal‘s pursuit of Luiz has received a boost after it was reported Aston Villa are keen to sign Gunners forward Emile Smith Rowe.

It provides Arteta with the option of a swap or part-exchange deal.

Arsenal’s current midfield options include Declan Rice, Jorginho, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz.

But Thomas Partey is still sidelined through injury, while Mohamed Elneny is being linked with a move away during this month’s window.

ARSENAL NEWS LIVE: Stay up to date with all the latest transfer news from the Emirates