Jermaine Jenas has stated he has 'never been fully convinced' about Martin Zubimendi and has urged Mikel Arteta to sign a replacement for the Arsenal midfielder this summer. The Gunners beat Real Madrid to a £60m deal for Zubimendi last summer and were encouraged by his start at the Emirates Stadium, but he became less influential in the second half of the season, slipping behind Myles Lewis-Skelly in the pecking order.
Jenas criticises Zubimendi, backs Tonali
Jenas described Zubimendi as a 'decent, solid player' but admitted he has always had reservations about the Spain Euro 2024 winner. Speaking to 10bet, Jenas said: 'I think Sandro Tonali is one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, in my opinion. He had his misdemeanour, came back, and I thought his attitude from that exact point onward has been brilliant. He's a dictator of a game; he sets the pace and sets the tone every time he plays.'
Jenas insisted Tonali would 'definitely be a level up' on Zubimendi, adding: 'When I look at that Arsenal midfield, I was never fully convinced by Martin Zubimendi, if I'm honest with you. I think he's a decent, solid player, but Tonali would definitely be a level up in that midfield alongside Declan Rice.'
Arsenal face competition for Tonali
Arsenal were linked with a move for Newcastle United's Tonali in January and revived their interest ahead of the summer transfer window. However, the Gunners face major competition from north London rivals Tottenham, who had an opening £75m offer for the Italy international rejected by Newcastle. The Magpies are believed to want around £85m to strike a deal.
Whether Arsenal would be willing to meet that figure remains to be seen, but Jenas says Tonali would strengthen the English champions. However, he added: 'Though I am a bit surprised that Arsenal's focus isn't more forward-thinking than that. I don't think their midfield is terrible – you've got young Myles Lewis-Skelly who has the ability to step in there as well. So Tonali is a great player, and it would be a good move, but I don't think it's exactly what they desperately need. I still think they need a proper, out-and-out striker and a specialist on that left wing.'
Jenas talks up Rashford move
Turning his attention to Arsenal's pursuit of a new left-winger, Jenas talked up a sensational move for Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford. Rashford's future is uncertain after Barcelona decided not to sign him on a permanent deal, sending him back to Manchester United. Jenas said: 'I don't think he should just go back to United to sit on the bench, and I don't think Michael Carrick should automatically just force him back into the team either. I just think there comes a point where you have to move on. Bringing Marcus Rashford back to the club – as good as he is – comes with complications.'
Asked whether Arsenal could sign Rashford, Jenas added: 'I think they're crying out for someone with his attributes on that left-hand side.'
Kroenke confirms summer backing
Speaking after Arsenal became Premier League champions for the first time since 2004, Josh Kroenke confirmed the club were planning to back Arteta in the transfer market. 'The business never stops,' he said. 'Right now there are already other teams who are trying to strengthen and come at us for next season. We need to be aware of that. We've already had a few different conversations about different areas where we think we can improve on and off the pitch.'
