EXCL: Two Dutch defenders to Arsenal? Dream midfield target linked, plus why we can't rely on Spurs to help Gunners win the title

This week's column on all things Arsenal FC, including tonight's big game!

De Jong as a Zubimendi alternative would be a dream signing for Arsenal, but is it realistic?

Arsenal’s long-standing interest in Martin Zubimendi has always been slightly clouded by the fact it is well known that the midfielder is in no real rush to leave Real Sociedad. He’s happy there and he feels at home, as his manager, Imanol Alguacil, recently stated. That’s not to say that he will not leave if someone triggers his release clause this summer, but clubs who are looking at him are well aware that he might take some convincing. 

So of course Arsenal have other targets when it comes to the midfield. Interest in Bruno Guimaraes has emerged, another player who has a release clause, while several other names have been linked. One of those is Frenkie de Jong at Barcelona, who I think would be absolutely perfect for this Arsenal team. 

You couldn’t really find anyone better suited to come in and help take this team to another level. Mikel Arteta could play him at the base of the midfield, just behind Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, but you could see him rotating with Rice at times, sometimes playing in a more advanced role, with Rice dropping in behind him. It just feels like it would work perfectly and that De Jong would be the ideal long-term replacement for Thomas Partey.