Arsenal Narrow the Gap on Liverpool After Chelsea Victory: Midfield Overhaul on the Horizon?
Arsenal secured a vital 1-0 victory over London rivals Chelsea on Sunday, reducing the gap to Premier League leaders Liverpool to 12 points. A decisive early goal from Mikel Merino proved enough for the Gunners at The Emirates in a match that, while not a classic, delivered crucial points for Mikel Arteta’s team as they chase down the Reds at the top of the table.
For Chelsea, the defeat extends a worrying trend of inconsistency. Despite remaining in fourth position in the Premier League standings, the Blues have only managed to win four of their last 13 league fixtures, raising questions about their form and future trajectory.
Arsenal Transfer News: Pablo Barrios and Midfield Reinforcements Targeted Amid Sporting Director Change
Off the pitch, significant changes could be afoot at Arsenal this summer. The departure of former sporting director Edu Gaspar earlier in the season has opened the door for a potential new appointment. Recent reports from TBR Football suggest that Andrea Berta is the leading candidate to take over the role. Berta’s potential arrival could signal a shift in Arsenal’s transfer strategy, with immediate links emerging to Atlético Madrid midfielder Pablo Barrios.
Andrea Berta, during his tenure as sporting director at Atletico Madrid, worked directly with the highly-rated young midfielder, Pablo Barrios. It is understood that Berta remains a strong admirer of the 21-year-old and is reportedly keen to bring him to North London should he take up the sporting director position at Arsenal.
Arteta is expected to strengthen his midfield options during the summer transfer window.
Arsenal’s interest in Barrios is not new, with reports indicating previous scouting and consideration of the player. The Spanish U21 international has become an increasingly influential figure for Atletico Madrid in recent months, showcasing his abilities in central midfield.
Here’s a quick look at Pablo Barrios:
- Age: 21 years old
- Position: Central Midfielder
- Club: Atlético Madrid
- Senior Appearances for Atlético: Over 90
- Contract Expiry: 2028
- Reported Release Clause: £84 million
Barrios, an Atlético Madrid academy graduate, is under contract with the Spanish club until 2028. However, any potential move for the young talent could be complicated by a significant release clause, reportedly set at £84 million. Whether Arsenal would be willing to invest such a substantial sum in Barrios remains to be seen.
Adding further complexity to Arsenal’s midfield plans, the club are also believed to be maintaining their interest in Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi. The Spanish midfielder has been a long-term target for the Gunners and represents another potential option to bolster their midfield ranks.
The potential for midfield changes at Arsenal is further amplified by speculation surrounding the future of current midfielder Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian international has been heavily linked with a move away from The Emirates this summer, which would necessitate midfield reinforcements.
Arsenal’s midfield could look significantly different next season. The combination of potential new arrivals, like Barrios and Zubimendi, and possible departures, such as Partey, suggests a proactive summer transfer window for the North London club.
What do you think? Will Arsenal make a move for Pablo Barrios or Martin Zubimendi this summer? Join the conversation in the comments below and share your transfer predictions!