Arsenal show interest in La Liga midfielder

Arsenal look set to face the heartbreak of finishing as Premier League runners-up for the third consecutive season after their 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest on Wednesday night. 

The Gunners failed to pick up all three points against high-flying Forest, and have now won just four of their last eight league matches.

That run of form has allowed runaway leaders Liverpool to open up a 13-point lead at the top of the standings, with the Gunners likely to once again finish second.

With that in mind, it appears that Mikel Arteta and those in charge of the club’s recruitment are already planning ahead for this summer’s transfer window, and they have their sights set on a La Liga midfielder.

As per TBR Football, the North London side are pondering a move for Atletico Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios.

The Gunners have been on the hunt for a new central midfielder and have been heavily linked with a move for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.

The report claims, however, that Real Madrid are also interested in Zubimendi and Arsenal are therefore considering other targets.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Martin Zubimendi

That has lead the London side to Barrios, who has been quietly impressive in La Liga this season.

Young midfielder Barrios is a product of Atletico’s youth system but has already played 87 times for the Spanish side at senior level.

Primarily a central midfielder, Barrios is also capable of playing on the right, which could make him a more attractive proposition for Arteta.

Barrios is under contract with his boyhood club until the end of the 2027/28 season, but the report claims that the Gunners may attempt to lure him away from the Spanish capital this summer if they fail to sign Zubimendi.

German side Bayern Munich could also show interest in Zubimendi, who was a star of Spain’s Euro 2024 final win against England, as the German side contend with the possible departure of Joshua Kimmich this summer.