Arsenal Eye Atletico Star Pablo Barrios as Backup Plan Amid Fierce Zubimendi Battle

Pablo Barrios To Arsenal: The summer transfer window has Arsenal looking for Spanish midfield talent as they vet their midfield options.

The Gunners maintain strong discussions about Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, yet they are simultaneously trying alternate options, according to TEAMtalk journalist Ben Jacobs, who reported: “A broad set of personal terms have been verbally agreed upon”.

The report from journalist Graeme Bailey states that if Arsenal cannot finalize a deal for Zubimendi, then they would turn to Pablo Barrios, who plays for Atletico Madrid.

Worldwide experts consider Zubimendi one of the best defensive midfielders in the world thus making it unlikely he will play for Sociedad after his current season.

Several clubs currently seek to acquire his services in what stands as a strong competitive field. Real Madrid and Manchester United actively pursue Julio Zubimendi because of their established business relationship with Sociedad de Football for this transfer opportunity.

The Spanish player Zubimendi has earned his place in elite European club rosters following his victory at Euro 2024 with Spain.

Should Arsenal Sign Pablo Barrios Or Zubimendi?

In contrast, Pablo Barrios, the 21-year-old Atletico graduate and Spanish international, offers a different profile. Barrios spent his youth development stages at Atletico Madrid before achieving a position in the senior team.

He provides two assists during his 27 appearances across all competitions where his team leads LaLiga and advances in the Champions League Round of 16. The potential and flexible abilities of Pablo Barrios make him an interesting acquisition target for Arsenal although his regular contributions to matches are not as impressive as those of Zubimendi.

Obtaining Barrios presents multiple difficulties during the transaction process. The €100 million clause in Barrios’ Atletico Madrid contract makes him too expensive for Arsenal because he costs much more than the estimated £51 million price of Zubimendi’s release clause.

The English Premier League clubs are pursuing Barrios aggressively as Arsenal compete for his signing against numerous top-flight rivals. Media sources indicate Tottenham plans to spend liberally to acquire the player and Chelsea has publicly declared their specific offer stands at €70 million.

Multiple sources indicate that Manchester City and Liverpool have joined the many clubs vying for Barrios as they push to finalize a deal for this promising winger.