Arsenal have been linked with several midfielders ahead of the next two transfer windows, but it is still somewhat unclear what kind of player is needed in the squad.
Declan Rice has been a revelation since his club-record move from West Ham in the summer, but despite his outstanding performances, Arsenal have struggled in midfield at times.
Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa and Amadou Onana of Everton have both been linked, but neither player looks set to join in the winter window, amid Arsenal’s financial fair play struggles.
Where have Arsenal struggled in midfield?
Granit Xhaka departed after an excellent campaign last year, and his absence has been felt in both attack and defence. Thomas Partey was also crucial last season, but he has spent nearly the entire campaign out injured.
Kai Havertz joined on a big-money deal, but his performances in midfield have been underwhelming as his ability to progress the ball has been vastly inferior to Xhaka’s, and he started the last game upfront rather than in a deeper role.
Jorginho performed well against Liverpool alongside Rice, but at 32, his physical limitations have shown on occasions since his arrival last year, and with his contract expiring in the summer, he will need a long-term replacement.
Martin Zubimendi would be the ideal midfielder for Arsenal
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi looks better suited than anyone as the final missing piece in the middle for Mikel Arteta.
He could line up alongside his former teammate Martin Odegaard, and as he is able to play both at the base of midfield and further forward, he could interchange well with Rice.
The 24-year-old is powerful in the air and strong on the ball, and it was recently reported that Edu Gaspar is “willing” to pay his £52m release clause.
However, a move does look difficult. He has previously turned down interest from both Arsenal and Barcelona, and with Real Sociedad in the last 16 of the Champions League, even if a deal was affordable, he would be unlikely to agree to it.
His circumstances could change by the summer window though, and if there is a chance that he could agree to a move, Arsenal should swoop in.
The midfield would have a near-perfect blend of physicality, creativity and technical ability, and would likely get the best out of both Odegaard and Rice in more advanced roles with a player of Zubimendi’s quality sitting behind them.
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