Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi almost matches William Saliba in one key statistic this season

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Over the past few seasons, Arsenal have consistently been linked with a move for Real Sociedad midfielder, Martin Zubimendi.

Despite signing Declan Rice before the start of last season, Arsenal have been on the hunt for a number six given that Mikel Arteta seemingly always planned to play the England international further forward.

With Rice considered as an eight, Arteta can only turn to Thomas Partey or Jorginho in the pivot, two capable but ageing options, who might both leave at the end of the season.

That being said, Zubimendi would be perfectly suited to sitting as Arteta’s number six, perhaps even alongside his former Real Sociedad teammate.

Arsenal didn’t find it easy signing Merino from the Basque Country this summer, and that was even with his willingness to head to north London.

Martin Zubimendi provides another strong reason why Arsenal should buy him

Zubimendi rejected Liverpool this summer, once again reiterating his loyalty to Real Sociedad, a stance that has frustrated Arsenal in the past.

But perhaps next summer could be the year that all changes – and on evidence of his statistics so far this season, it would be worth Edu’s time to chase Zubimendi once again.

READ MORE: Arsenal close to agreeing new five-year deal with ‘fearless’ gem who’s been brilliant this season

According to WhoScored who shared their statistics on X, Zubimendi is among the top five players in Europe for tackle success this season.

Unsurprisingly, Arsenal centre-back William Saliba tops the list – not one player has managed to prevent him from stealing the ball this season.

Saliba has still maintained his 100% success rate, with Zubimendi sitting at a very respectable 90%, especially given he’s a player predominantly known for his passing.

25-year-old Zubimendi certainly wouldn’t come cheap next summer, but he’s certainly a player who could be present value, even at a Rice/Kai Havertz level of fee. 

Arsenal also have their eyes on Brazilian centre-back Vitor Reis

Looking ahead to other players who Arsenal might target next summer, 18-year-old Palmeiras centre-back Vitor Reis is also on the club’s radar.

Arsenal have made an enquiry for Reis, and perhaps could return with their interest after the 2025 Club World Cup, which is a sticking point for the Brazilian side. 

Arsenal already signed Riccardo Calafiori this summer but it doesn’t seem as if their defensive rebuild is quite complete.

It seems as if Jakub Kiwior, Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko could all still leave before the start of next season.

Arteta is building a winning machine in N5 right now, and his squad continues to improve by the month.