Arsenal told £52m star is ‘perfect’ for major ‘rebuild’ Mikel Arteta is planning

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Journalist Charles Watts has now given his verdict on Arsenal transfer target Martin Zubimendi.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. 

The north London club’s sporting director Edu is thought to be willing to trigger Zubimendi’s £52 million release clause in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The 24-year-old has proven himself to be a classy operator in La Liga. He has impressed with his composure, defensive nous, and technical level. Zubimendi is able to receive and retain possession in tight, congested areas, and progress his team up the pitch with penetrative forward passes. He has been hailed as the new Sergio Busquets before, and has named Xabi Alonso as a “role model”, as quoted by The Guardian. 

Zubimendi would undoubtedly be an exciting addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad, but he is not the only potential target the Gunners are eyeing up in that part of the pitch. The club have also been credited with a keen interest in Aston Villa star Douglas Luiz and Everton ace Amadou Onana. 

Luiz has been referred to as Arteta’s “dream” signing before, whilst Onana is thought to be open to a switch to the Emirates Stadium. 

Charles Watts, though, seemingly only has eyes for Zubimendi. Speaking on his Inside Arsenal YouTube channel, the reporter said, “he is a player that Arsenal like, absolutely no doubt about it. He’s a player they’re looking at when it comes to their midfield – the rebuild they will have to do over the next two to three years, which is imperative when you look at the ages of the midfielders that Arsenal have. Zubimendi is certainly a player that the club are talking about.”

“He does look perfect for what Arsenal want. A really talented player doing very, very well. Performing for Sociedad in the Champions League as well. He does look absolutely ready but it’s not as simple as Arsenal just signing him.”

Martin Zubimendi could be key part of Mikel Arteta’s midfield overhaul at Arsenal

Arteta will value the 4-cap Spain international’s Champions League experience highly, limited though it may be. His age profile also makes him a suitable candidate for a club looking to overhaul their midfield contingent in a major way.

Arsenal now find themselves in a position where such a massive midfield rebuild is on the horizon. By the start of next season, the likes of Thomas Partey, Jorginho, and Mohamed Elneny, all quite conceivably could, and perhaps should, have left the club.

Partey is too injury-prone for Arteta rely upon. If a Saudi Arabian side reignites their interest in the Ghanaian, then the Gunners should jump at the opportunity to cash in. Jorginho’s agent has already admitted that talks over a new contract with Arsenal have reached a “standstill”, with the midfield veteran set to become a free agent this summer. Arsenal are already actively seeking to move Elneny on this month, with the Egyptian’s current contract also due to expire at the end of this season. 

With only Declan Rice in place as a long-term option in that part of the pitch, clearly significant investment will soon be required in the middle of the park. Zubimendi could represent a big part of the new-look Arsenal midfield.