In a recent report, AS mentioned that Arsenal are close to recruiting Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. It is understood that the Gunners have a clear path to sign the Spanish talent after Barcelona dropped out of the race to land him recently.
Zubimendi’s Impressive Form In European Football
The 24-year-old is having a solid campaign at the Spanish club after putting in a series of impressive displays for them in the middle of the park. Zubimendi has scored four goals and picked up one assist in 30 matches for the Spanish outfit this season across all fronts.
The Spanish sensation has anchored the midfield well by averaging 2.5 tackles, 0.8 interceptions, 1.5 clearances, 0.8 shots, 0.8 key passes and 0.7 dribbles per game in the UEFA Champions League. He has even been tidy with his ball distribution as he has completed 88.1% of his attempted passes in top-flight football (stats via whoscored).
His current contract at the Spanish club will run out in 2027 which could make it difficult for the Gunners to sign him on the cheap this month.
Is Zubimendi A Good Option For Arsenal Boss Mikel Arteta?
Zubimendi is a tough-tackling midfielder who can time his challenges well to make some timely interceptions for his team. He usually puts his foot through the ball when needed and can shoot the ball purely from long range.
The Spaniard can even engineer some promising chances for others around him and is a decent dribbler with the ball as well. He is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also operate as a box-to-box midfielder if told to do so.
Zubimendi would bring more bite and steel to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta‘s midfield department. He might even help the Gunners challenge for a lot of major silverware over the next few years.
At 24, Zubimendi will only improve as he matures as a footballer and would be a great, long-term option for the North London club to consider before the end of this January transfer window. However, there are some concerns over whether he can adapt to the physical side and high intensity of Premier League football if Arteta manages to get him on board soon.
