Arsenal told £21m target is ‘more appealing’ than Martin Zubimendi, one statistic proves exactly why

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Arsenal are keen on signing a midfielder this summer, and several players are on their radar.

Martin Zubimendi is a long-term target for Mikel Arteta, but the Real Sociedad star appears reluctant to leave his boyhood club to move to England.

However, his teammate Mikel Merino is also admired by Arsenal, and with just one year left on his deal, he could be available for a bargain £21m fee.

Merino scored a last-minute winner for Spain against Germany in the Euro 2024 quarter-final, en route to lifting the trophy, and the former Newcastle star has been outstanding in the Basque Country since he moved in 2018.

Both Spain and Real Sociedad teammates could be excellent additions to Arteta’s midfield, but one target could be preferable to the other.

Why Arsenal may prefer Mikel Merino to Martin Zubimendi

In his Daily Briefing, journalist Charles Watts confirmed that there is interest from Arsenal in both midfielders, but highlighted that Merino’s lower price tag and increased physicality could make him more appealing than Zubimendi.

“Midfield is an area Arsenal are looking to strengthen this summer, with Merino’s Spanish international team-mate Martin Zubimendi another player the club admires. Both players have impressed in glimpses during the Euros, even though neither were regular starters,” he stated.

“Merino could be a more appealing option than Zubimendi because he would cost far less than the 25-year-old. He only has a year left on his contract with Real Sociedad and it’s understood that the La Liga side would be willing to accept an offer for the midfielder this summer rather than risk losing him on a free.

“Merino does tick a lot of the boxes in terms of what Arsenal are looking for a new midfielder.
He can play as a No.6, but he can also play in a more advanced box to box type role. So he would bring the versatility that Arteta demands from any player that he signs.”

Mikel Merino wins more duels than anyone else, he’s perfect for Arsenal

Arsenal’s conundrum comes as they try to decide whether Declan Rice is better in an advanced role or at the base of midfield.

If Rice is to play as a number eight, Zubimendi would be the more natural number six to sit behind him,m with Merino often playing a box-to-box role like the one Rice has played in the last few months.

Merino would bring more physicality than Zubimendi, in addition to his attacking threat and strong technical ability.

The 28-year-old won 326 duels last season, more than any other player in Europe’s top five leagues last season, and brings a bigger presence in aerial duels than his teammate Zubimendi.

Arteta’s insistence on players being well-rounded in terms of physicality and technical excellence means that Merino fits his typical profile of player more, and combined with his lower transfer cost, may be the better pick this summer.