Arsenal can take Rice to even bigger heights by signing ‘extraordinary’ £52m star

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Arsenal have been linked with a move for Real Sociedad defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi and signing him could take Declan Rice to a new level.

It is no secret that Arsenal are on the lookout for midfield reinforcements after being plagued with injury troubles in the centre of the park.

Thomas Partey’s constant injury problems mean he can’t be called upon, Jorginho is entering the twilight years of his career and Mohamed Elneny isn’t of the standard required to play in a title-chasing side.

Given this current predicament, it appears acquiring a new central midfielder is high on the list of priorities.

Mikel Arteta has already described Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz as the “dream signing”, but the Gunners would need to cough up a triple figure sum before Villa reconsider their stance.

Meanwhile, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Arsenal are eyeing up a move for Real Sociedad central midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who they regard as a “special player”.

The Spaniard boasts a £52 million release clause, half of what they paid for Declan Rice, though he has been a revelation since signing from West Ham United in the summer.

What would Zubimendi bring to Arsenal?

Hailed as one of the best deep-lying midfielders in Europe alongside Manchester City’s Rodri by Spanish football expert Sid Lowe, praise has been forthcoming for Zubimendi all season.

Indeed, his performances in Spain have warranted such comparisons to arguably the best-holding midfielder on the planet having established himself as a key player in a side fighting for Europe.

Aside from possessing exceptional technical ability having averaged an 88% pass completion in the Champions League, Zubimendi has been dubbed as “extraordinary” by Barcelona manager Xavi for how incredible he is at winning possession back.

In Europe this term, he’s averaged a whopping 7.7 ball recoveries and 2.5 tackles per game, as per Sofascore, and only defender Alvaro Odriozola has made more interceptions in the Sociedad squad than the 24-year-old.

A domineering presence with and without the ball, Zubimendi would be an excellent addition to Arteta’s midfield.

Zubimendi can take Rice to greater heights

As delineated by the above statistics, Zubimendi is great at timing tackles and positioning himself expertly to win possession back for his team, and this would make him a perfect Thomas Partey replacement while enabling Declan Rice to play further up the pitch.

The Englishman has played as a lone pivot in the base of midfield for the majority of the season, however, he’s shown how effective he can be in the attacking third.

Rice has scored some very crucial goals for Arsenal this term, including the late goal against Manchester City, the Gunner’s opener in the 2-2 draw against Chelsea and the pivotal 97th-minute winner at Luton Town.

Dubbed “on another level” by pundit Clinton Morrison, the 24-year-old is wasted in his role in a single pivot as he can offer so much going forward.

He’s excellent at progressing the ball with his effortless strides, has incredible upper-body strength and is quietly becoming a great finisher of chances.

Indeed, the acquisition of Zubimendi to replace Partey can enable Rice to play further forward and have an even bigger impact in the final third.