Mikel Arteta has spent the summer reshaping an Arsenal squad that finally ended its long wait for the Premier League title, but the manager’s plans for the new campaign may not be finished yet. One defender in particular appears to have caught his attention after Arsenal encountered him at the sharp end of last season’s Champions League.What makes the situation particularly difficult is that the player has only just completed his breakthrough campaign, has already earned a place in a World Cup-winning squad and is now regarded by his club as part of its long-term plans. According to reports,however, that has not stopped Arsenal from exploring whether a deal can be done.
Pubill caught Arteta’s attention against Arsenal
Marc Pubill’s rise at Atlético Madrid was one of the more significant developments of his first season at the club, although his path to becoming an established starter was not straightforward.The defender arrived from Almería, where he had been playing in Spain’s second division, and initially had to wait for his opportunity in Madrid. He eventually forced his way into the team, adapting to the demands of a new coaching setup and developing his game sufficiently to operate not only as a full-back but also at centre-back.That versatility became particularly important during Atlético’s Champions League run, when Pubill was given the responsibility of starting both semi-final matches against Arsenal.The tie ultimately went Arsenal’s way, with Mikel Arteta’s side progressing 2-1 on aggregate after a 1-0 victory followed by a 1-1 draw. Pubill nevertheless emerged from the two matches with his reputation strengthened, having completed all 180 minutes against the eventual finalists.
Arteta was impressed by Pubill against Arsenal
The interest reportedly stems from Pubill’s performances when Atlético faced Arsenal in the Champions League semi-final last season. The Gunners eventually progressed 2-1 on aggregate after a closely contested tie, winning the first leg 1-0 and drawing the return 1-1.According to AS editor-in-chief Jorge García Hernández, Arteta was particularly impressed by Pubill’s performance and instructed Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, a former Atlético player, to explore a deal for the defender. AS said that journalist Fabrizio Romano also reported that Arsenal made an attempt, with the Spanish newspaper confirming that an approach took place.Pubill started both legs and completed the full 180 minutes, with AS describing his performances as outstanding. The report said Arsenal were prepared to “break the bank” to bring him to north London, but Atlético have refused to entertain the possibility of his departure.The 23-year-old has also developed into a versatile defensive option. Having originally established himself as a full-back, Pubill adapted to playing at centre-back and eventually became an important part of Atlético’s plans.
Atlético see him as part of their future
The timing of Arsenal’s interest is significant because Pubill’s status at Atlético has changed dramatically within a year.The club is understood to regard the defender as one of the players around whom it can build in the coming seasons. Atlético have therefore been working to improve the terms of the contract he signed last summer, both as recognition of his development and as a statement of his importance to the team.His existing deal contains a €500 million release clause, giving an indication of the level at which Atlético have protected themselves against outside interest.More importantly, the player himself is reportedly comfortable with where his career is heading.After initially struggling to establish himself following his move from Almería, Pubill stayed patient and worked his way into Atlético’s plans. His development at centre-back, in particular, has helped expand his usefulness to the team and has made him a more complete defensive option.That progress has also strengthened his relationship with the club and its supporters. The reporting indicates that when Arsenal’s interest emerged, Pubill initially refused to listen to proposals because he identified with Atlético’s project and the role he has been given there.
Why Arsenal could struggle to get him
From Arsenal’s perspective, Pubill offers precisely the kind of flexibility that can be valuable over a long season. He can play at full-back and centre-back, while his development in central defence has added another dimension to his game.That versatility is reportedly one of the reasons Arteta is so keen on him.But Atlético’s position leaves Arsenal with little obvious leverage. The Spanish club considers Pubill non-transferable, has begun work on improved contractual terms and has a €500 million release clause protecting the player.There is also no indication from the reporting that Pubill is pushing to leave. Instead, his own connection with Atlético appears to reinforce the club’s position.Arsenal have already invested heavily in their squad this summer as they prepare to defend the Premier League title, with Bruno Guimarães arriving from Newcastle in a reported £75 million deal and Christos Tzolis joining from Club Brugge for £34 million. The Gunners have also had to manage departures including Leandro Trossard, Jakub Kiwior and Christian Nørgaard.The interest in Pubill, then, appears to be about finding another piece capable of giving Arteta tactical flexibility rather than filling an obvious emergency.For now, however, the defender’s rapid rise has put him in a position where Atlético can afford to be uncompromising. Arteta may have identified a player he wants, but getting him out of Madrid is an entirely different matter.