Exclusive: Arteta ‘loves’ £53m star and wants to sign him at Arsenal for one reason

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Arsenal have been strongly linked with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi ahead of the summer transfer window.

Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen his options in the middle of the park, and add a top-quality option who can provide the perfect balance alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

Zubimendi is seen as someone who can both play alongside Rice at the base of midfield, whilst also contributing going forward, as well as someone who could cover for him in an unexpected absence.

The Spain International has been a top performer for Real Sociedad, and Arteta is keen to lure him to the Emirates from his former club, and a £53m release clause represents excellent value should the Gunners manage to convince him to move.

Mikel Arteta loves Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi

HITC journalist Graeme Bailey has now exclusively told Arsenal Insider that Arteta is a huge fan of Zubimendi, not least because the midfielder reminds him of himself during his successful playing career.

“He’s such a talented player. I’m told that Arteta really appreciates him,” Bailey explained.

“Arteta sees a lot of himself in him given his Basque background and previous time with Real Sociedad.

“They have a very similar way of playing. He’s such a talent, and it doesn’t surprise me to see Arteta taking a liking to someone like that.

“From what we’re hearing, we’re told that he’s a player Arteta loves. He wants him and thinks he’ll fit well in the midfield. You can only imagine a midfield of Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, it’s pretty mouthwatering.”

Why Mikel Arteta wants Martin Zubimendi at Arsenal

Arteta has found success in recent weeks with Jorginho coming into the midfield alongside Rice and Odegaard.

The Italian’s ball progression and intelligence has allowed Rice to push further forward, whilst helping Arsenal build-up play well, despite his lack of physicality.

Zubimendi coming into the midfield could have a similar effect on build-up, whilst the Spaniard is also a lot more physically gifted than Jorginho. Arsenal would excel going forward, and would be near-impenetrable in transitions.

Jorginho is out of contract at the end of the season, and with Thomas Partey’s future unclear, it seems that Zubimendi is seen by Arteta as a long-term solution to replacing both players in the middle of the park.