Arsenal have activated their contingency plan to bolster the defence, targeting 23-year-old versatile defender Marc Pubil from Atletico Madrid and the Spain national team.
As per insider Ekrem Konur (Hooligan Soccer), the Gunners are prepared to bid $55 million for the Spanish Olympic champion.
Despite Mikel Arteta's primary focus on securing Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, the club's struggles to negotiate with the Birmingham side and their inflated financial demands have forced Arsenal to explore the option of signing Pubil, who can proficiently fill both right-back and centre-back roles.
The Gunners have already held an informal summit with Pubil's representatives in London, outlining a long-term sporting project, financial terms, and his tactical role within Arteta’s system, which has reportedly left a positive impression on the player's camp.
Diego Simeone regards Pubil as an untouchable member of his starting squad, and Atletico is preparing to extend his contract until 2031, complete with a staggering release clause of $550 million. However, behind closed doors, the Madrid club has indicated they would only enter serious negotiations for offers starting at $88 million, creating a financial gap of $33 million with Arsenal's valuation.
Interest in Pubil is also being monitored closely by Chelsea, PSG, and Barcelona, but it is Arsenal who have taken the most concrete steps towards a potential deal.
