Mikel Arteta has instructed Arsenal's sporting director Andrea Berta to pursue a deal for Atletico Madrid defender Marc Pubill, according to reports in Spain. The Premier League champions are looking to bolster their backline ahead of the new season, having already spent £109million on midfield and attacking reinforcements.
Defensive concerns prompt transfer interest
Arsenal have added Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis to their squad this summer for a combined fee of £109million, but defensive injury problems have left the club eager to recruit another option at the back. Pubill, 23, has impressed since his move from Almeria a year ago, initially as a full-back before featuring prominently at centre-half after the turn of the year.
The Spain international played the full 90 minutes in each of Atletico's Champions League semi-finals against Arsenal, with Arteta reportedly hugely impressed by his performances. According to Spanish outlet AS, Arteta immediately instructed Berta to 'make a move' for the defender, leading the sporting director to approach his former employers over a transfer.
Atletico determined to keep Pubill
Arsenal were prepared to 'break the bank' to bring Pubill to north London, but the report states that things have gone no further. Atletico are determined to hold onto their defender, with talks underway to tie him down to a new contract. Pubill is also said to be fully committed to the project in the Spanish capital.
In addition to Pubill, the Gunners have been linked with Barcelona's Jules Kounde and Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa this summer. However, the club's defensive injury crisis has intensified the need for a new signing.
Injury crisis at the back
Jurrien Timber, Arteta's first-choice right-back, has not played since March due to a groin injury that ruled him out of the season run-in and the World Cup with Netherlands. He has returned to training, but his manager has been unable to provide a clear timescale for his return to the team.
Ben White, another option at right-back and centre-half, suffered a knee injury in May that also ruled him out of the World Cup. The former Brighton star is fit again, featuring in pre-season. William Saliba is sidelined with a back injury, and he and the club opted against surgery over the summer, meaning the France international is likely to miss the opening months of the new campaign.
Julian Alvarez also on Arsenal's radar
Elsewhere, Arsenal have explored a deal to sign another Atletico star in Julian Alvarez. The Argentina international is desperate to join Barcelona, however, with reports in Spain claiming he is not interested in a return to England. Atletico, furious with Barcelona's public pursuit of the striker this summer, are refusing to sell him to their domestic rivals.
