Real Madrid have emerged as a potential suitor for Arsenal transfer target Martin Zubimendi.
The Gunners are looking to add a midfielder to Mikel Arteta’s ranks this summer, as Thomas Partey is expected to leave and Jorginho is close to agreeing a pre-contract with Flamengo.
Zubimendi has long been expected to arrive at Arsenal for £51 million, but reports this week suggest that Real Madrid will attempt to hijack the move.
Los Blancos’ interest in the Spaniard should prompt the North Londoners to start looking at alternatives, and there’s one potential option that stands out based on the data.
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Adam Wharton has the best passing statistics in Europe
Crystal Palace signed Adam Wharton for £22 million in January 2024, and the youngster has certainly pulled up trees in his first 18 months in the Premier League.
An exceptional end to the 2023/24 season saw him earn a first call-up to the England national team, selected in Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024.
Injury has plagued parts of this term, but he’s settled back into Palace team in recent months and looks to have gone up a level.
Statistics have emerged that indicate that Wharton is the best passing midfielder in Europe’s top five leagues under the age of 21, playing more progressive passes per 90 minutes that anyone else in his age bracket.
Capable of splitting lines with expertly weighted passes and clipping the ball over the top immaculately, the 21-year-old’s range of distribution from deep in midfield is exquisite and makes him a joy to watch.
Arsenal should sign Adam Wharton instead of Martin Zubimendi
Arsenal fans were urging Arteta to sign Wharton this week, and the North London club really ought to consider the player.
A combination of Real Madrid’s interest in Zubimendi and these passing statistics should prompt the Gunners to reconsider who their priority midfield target is.
Wharton is five years the Real Sociedad man’s junior, while he boasts better passing numbers and has proven he can produce in the Premier League, in a side that doesn’t dominate the ball.
Put the Palace man in an Arsenal team that dominates possession, with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard beside him, and the England international could go to another level.
At Partey’s best, he was an elite deep-lying playmaker, and Arsenal need to replace this skillset with a player who possesses similar attributes.
Wharton fits the bill, and the hype isn’t quite loud enough for Palace to demand a ridiculous fee north of the £60 million mark.
It’s a no-brainer for Arteta and Arsenal.
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