Arsenal ‘send scouts to watch Real Sociedad centre-back Robin le Normand’ as Mikel Arteta eyes an upgrade on Rob Holding in defence… while the Gunners also ‘continue to keep tabs on his team-mate Martin Zubimendi’
- Arsenal have reportedly sent scouts to watch two Real Sociedad players
- Defender Robin Le Normand could come in to replace Rob Holding in the squad
- The Gunners have had long-term ambitions to sign midfielder Martin Zubimendi
Arsenal have reportedly sent scouts to watch Real Sociedad duo Martin Zubimendi and Robin Le Normand, as they look ahead to potential off-season recruits.
The Gunners have drawn their two most recent games after seven consecutive wins, and the dropped points have hindered the club’s search for a first title in almost two decades.
It has focused Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta into potentially looking at strengthening his squad ahead of next year’s campaign, which will almost certainly come with extra Champions League responsibilities.
Arsenal’s interest in Zubimendi has been long established, but the new desire to court Le Normand, for a possible £44m, could see the Frenchman replacing Rob Holding in the squad’s defence.
Football journalist Fabrizio Romano revealed that Arsenal had sent a scout to view both Zubimendi and Le Normand on his Substack CaughtOffside.
Arsenal sent a scout to watch Real Sociedad duo Robin Le Normand and Martin Zubimendi
Mikel Arteta may look to reinforcements for Arsenal after their recent dip in domestic form
Romano wrote: ‘Arsenal sent their scouts to follow both Martin Zubimendi and Robin Le Normand this year as they’re doing excellent with Real Sociedad, but nothing is concrete yet.
‘The Gunners’ plans on new signings will be made in the next weeks, nothing is advanced yet. The price for Le Normand is the release clause: €50 million.’
Holding’s role with the Gunners has come under question, particularly when he has had to step in to replace the in-form William Saliba.
Saliba has been out of action with a back injury, and his absence has come just as Arsenal have started to look shaky in defence, losing a 2-0 lead twice in a row, first to Liverpool and then to West Ham.
It has led to the 26-year-old Le Normand being considered as a possible…