Arsenal have been knocked back by Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, who wants to remain at the Spanish outfit.
The Gunners are looking to bolster their ranks this month as they look to build on their sensational start to the season. The north Londoners sit top of the Premier League, but have worked with a small squad for much of the campaign, which remains a concern.
Zubimendi would give them more depth and quality in midfield - where Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey have forged an impressive partnership. Arsenal appeared willing to pay the €60m release clause in the player's contract - but it was he who turned down their approach, according to Cadena Ser.
Zubimendi wants to remain with Sociedad, who have recently set a club-record of successive wins. He recently signed a new deal in San Sebastian and is looking to remain at the LaLiga outfit, at least in the short-term. It leaves Arsenal looking elsewhere for recruits.
Former Premier League midfielder Xabi Alonso, who coached Zubimendi as a youngster, had previously spoken highly of him: “Martín’s a player all coaches would want. He’s generous, he always thinks more about his teammates than himself. He has that ability to generate play, to make those around him better, always offering solutions; to improve the move. He understands what the next step is before the ball gets to him. He has that ability to organise, the axis. I loved working with him.”
Arsenal have already been turned down by Mykhaylo Mudryk this month, with the player eventually joining Chelsea. The Ukrainian appeared to be their No.1 target but they chose not to pay Shakhtar Donetsk's asking price, which allowed the Blues to steal a march as they handed the winger his debut in the draw with Liverpool on Saturday.
Arsenal have added Leandro Trossard from Brighton after the Belgian fell out with his manager on the south coast. A move for Spezia centre-half Jakub Kiwior is also close as the Pole looks to complete his £17.5m switch in the coming days.
Arteta said on the capture of Trossard: "We are really happy to have him. He’s a player we have followed for a while now. The opportunity came - we had the necessity to have a player in the frontline who is versatile enough to play in different positions. He knows the league, he has enough experience here and I think he can have an immediate impact in the team."
The Gunners are still fighting on three fronts, which puts greater strain on their resources. As well as their league ambitions they also remain in the FA Cup and the Europa League.
