The January transfer window is just around the corner and teams are starting to put their plans into place for a monumental period.
Arsenal are among those assessing their options as Mikel Arteta looks to put together the next phase of his project at the Emirates Stadium.
In his tenure so far, the Gunners have moved from being left out of the conversation at the top to driving that discussion in the Premier League and Champions League.
However, after a few years of challenging, a poor start to the current campaign has left questions over where they go next.
Arsenal could look for a drastic squad shuffle in some areas, which has led to links over a potential deal that may upset their rivals.
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Arsenal eye Martin Zubimendi transfer
One area for a potential reshuffle in the team is the midfield positions, with a few changes expected over the coming months.
Both Jorginho and Thomas Partey are in the final months of their deals at Arsenal, which could see them leave for new challenges.
With that in mind, a new midfielder could join the club to give some new flexibility while bringing down the average age there.
According to The Independent, Arsenal are monitoring a potential move for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi in the transfer windows ahead.
The report claims that Arteta wants a player to play in the base of the midfield to offer “maximum tactical options” to the side.
Over the past year, the Spaniard has been linked with a switch to the Premier League, most specifically Liverpool, though he declined a move there.
A release clause may facilitate a deal, though recent reports stated that Manchester City are also showing interest in Zubimendi.
Any move from Arsenal could represent a potential hijack to help bolster them while weakening their rivals.
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Arsenal tactical midfield problems
A move for Zubimendi would prove a huge change for Arteta in the way that his team looks to set up on the ball.
Tactically, one of the issues that Arsenal have had comes with the midfield receiving the ball from the backline under pressure.
While Declan Rice is the club-record signing, his strength has come in ball-carrying and defending in large spaces.
There were some hopes that Mikel Merino may offer that but he has proven to be more of a number eight in midfield rather than a six.
Adding Zubimendi into the mix would bring along an option who is a metronome in the middle of the park and can dictate games.
With matches becoming more and more about control, adding the European champion to the mix could help in that regard.
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