Arsenal must raise £51m to land primary January transfer target labelled ‘the Gen Z Sergio Busquets’

Arsenal's January transfer dealings is said to be heavily reliant on whether the club can shift players to raise vital funds.

The Gunners are currently top of the table after 17 games played and travel to Anfield this weekend bidding to extend their advantage to an impressive four-points.

But with the upcoming window just weeks away from commencing, Mikel Arteta is said to have identified one player labelled ‘the Gen Z Sergio Busquets’.

According to the latest report from The Atheltic's David Ornstein, Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi remains a much sought after option, even if Arsenal's previous attempts have not gone to plan.

At just 24, the Spaniard isn't keen on leaving the Reale Arena any time soon and it is thought that Edu and the Gunners' fellow decision makers would have to potentially shift bodies out of the Emirates to raise funds to make any deal happen.

Writing in his transfer column earlier today, Ornstein stated: ''Activity in midfield probably relies on somebody leaving or the fitness situation deteriorating.

"For both reasons, we should keep an eye on Thomas Partey and Jorginho — but it is more realistic to imagine their futures being decided after the campaign has ended.

"Arsenal explored the idea of Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad 12 months ago and interest remains strong. However, multiple factors would have to combine to make it happen.

"Despite his contract including a release clause, the Spaniard would have to agree to go; that has been a stumbling block in the past and may prove a bigger problem given Real Sociedad are in the Champions League round of 16."

Martin Zubimendi (Getty)

Having spent well over £100m on both Declan Rice and Kai Havertz in the summer, Arsenal are tipped to be relatively quite during the January market it seems.

Still involved in three competitions, however, Arteta may be knocking on Edu's door sooner rather than later, especially given the north Londoners are likely to lose both Thomas Partey and Mohamed Elneny to the African Cup of Nations in the next few weeks.