Arsenal have made significant progress in the pursuit of a long-term transfer target, with Martin Zubimendi expected to join the club.
Arsenal are expected to complete a move for Martin Zubimendi, with the deal likely to be worth in the region of £51 million through the triggering of his release clause.
The Gunners have long been linked with Zubimendi, who Mikel Arteta is understood to be a huge admirer of.
The Spanish midfielder turned down a move to Liverpool last summer to remain at boyhood club Real Sociedad, but it appears he’s now ready to make the step up to a club competing for the biggest prizes.
Arsenal fans will be delighted with the potential acquisition, after growing restless with some of the current options in midfield in recent weeks.
What is Martin Zubimendi’s play style?
Arsenal have arguably been crying out for a new deep-lying playmaker, with two of those currently at Arteta’s disposal entering the latter stages of their career.
Thomas Partey is set to leave Arsenal when his contract expires in the summer, while Jorginho could also depart the North London club in the immediate future.
Thus, the Gunners will be in desperate need of midfield reinforcements in six months’ time, and it appears they’ve started planning for this by securing Zubimendi’s signature early.
Short and diminutive, the 25-year-old is a graceful footballer in possession, capable of manipulating the ball in tight spaces and weaving away from pressure.
His passing is crisp and progressive, while positionally he’s smart off the ball, winning possession back frequently with well-timed tackles and interceptions.
While Zubimendi rarely ventures into the final third to influence proceedings in more advanced areas, he’s essential to the way in which Sociedad progress the ball.
How Arsenal could line-up with Zubimendi
Given Arsenal are opting to splash upwards of £51 million on Zubimendi this summer, the club likely expect Zubimendi to be the long-term option to partner Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in midfield.
Sitting at the base of the trio, Zubimendi will dictate the tempo of the Gunners’ attack, allowing Rice to roam forward and maximise his carrying and ball-winning abilities, and Odegaard to focus on creating chances in the final third.
In forward areas, Zubimendi’s arrival should liberate the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka to further express themselves, with his security on the ball meaning the pair of wingers will have less defensive work to do.
Behind the new addition, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba will sweep up any physical battles he may lose.
The balance certainly looks promising, and it’s one for the Arsenal faithful to get excited about.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
