Arsenal‘s search for a new central midfielder could take them to Mikel Arteta’s home country, Spain, according to reports…
What’s the word?
Spanish outlets AS and El Pais (via Sport Witness) claim that the Gunners have enquired about Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi and it’s thought that he will only leave if his release clause is met, which is around €60m (£52m).
The Premier League leaders are said to be willing to sanction the deal but may need to wait until the summer when the player is more likely to agree to a switch.
Interestingly, the 23-year-old is represented by the same agency as Arteta, which surely bodes well for any negotiations.
What deal should Arsenal complete?
£100m for Caicedo
£52m for Zubimendi
Caicedo lite
There have been several names mooted over the last few weeks and the need for a new engine room option has increased due to Mohamed Elneny’s recent injury blow.
It leaves Arteta very light on choices, with only Albert Sambi Lokonga available to fill in for first-choice duo Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey.
One of the potential targets appears to be Brighton and Hove Albion sensation Moises Caicedo but with an asking price of £100m being bandied about, it seems unlikely that sporting director Edu Gaspar is going to pull the trigger for that amount of money.
Zubimendi is available at around half that and intriguingly, he is comparable to the 21-year-old gem, as per FBref’s statistical model. It’s easy to see why, too, as he’s very much a powerhouse in defensive midfield.
When compared to similar in his role across Europe’s top five divisions over the last year, the Sociedad star ranks inside the top 7% for aerials won, the top 10% for clearances and the top 19% for interceptions per 90 minutes.
With only goalkeeper Alex Remiro playing more minutes for the White and Blues, it’s clear that Zubimendi has played an integral role to them pushing the likes of Real Madrid and FC Barcelona in LaLiga this term, currently sitting in third place – some seven points clear of Atletico Madrid in fourth.
Indeed, it’s why talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed him “the heart of La Real’s midfield,” having previously described him as a deep-lying “playmaker” who is “similar” to Toni Kroos.
He has even earned lofty praise from Barca boss Xavi Hernandez, who claimed Zubimendi is better than his ex-teammate and current regular Sergio Busquets in some aspects. “He is more physical and faster than Busi, who is better technically,” he said.
Similarly, another midfield great in Xabi Alonso has also waxed lyrical about his credentials, as relayed by Simon Phillips.
“Martín’s a player all coaches would want. He’s generous, he always thinks more about his teammates than himself. He has that ability to generate play, to make those around him better, always offering solutions; to improve the move. He understands what the next step is before the ball gets to him. He has that ability to organise, the axis. I loved working with him.”
On the above evidence, the Gunners could do little wrong in opting for the cheaper option in 2023. Zubimendi is available at half the price of Caicedo and his obvious quality and potential makes that seem like a complete bargain.
Perhaps “the new Busquets” – in the words of journalist Jacque Talbot – is who Edu should go after instead.
AND in other news, Forget Tielemans: Edu could find Arsenal’s next “monster” in £33m “incredible talent”…
