Amidst the misery surrounding Arsenal’s January transfer window, Mikel Arteta did make one move that should excite fans.
The Gunners were unable to add a striker to their squad, despite pursuing the likes of Ollie Watkins, Matheus Cunha and Mathys Tel.
Gabriel Martinelli is now out for over a month with a hamstring injury, meaning Arteta’s squad is seriously short of forward options.
However, it does look as though the Emirates hierarchy have taken early steps to rebuild their ageing midfield department, as Arsenal are expected to sign Martin Zubimendi in the summer.
The Spaniard is set to arrive once this season is done in a £51 million deal, replacing the departing Thomas Partey and Jorginho in Arteta’s ensemble.
Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Sociedad and CA Osasuna at Reale Arena on February 10, 2024…
Spanish media praise Martin Zubimendi’s performance against Real Sociedad
With Zubimendi likely to end up in N5, Arsenal fans will be keeping a sharp eye on the midfielder’s exploits for Real Sociedad for the remainder of this campaign.
The 26-year-old played the full 90 minutes as La Real saw off Espanyol in San Sebastian on Sunday.
Goals from Sheraldo Becker and Brais Mendez cancelled out Javier Puado’s penalty, with Socieded climbing to seventh in La Liga as a result of the triumph.
Zubimendi was praised by Spanish media for his display against the Catalan side.
Mundo Deportivo wrote about the deep-lying playmaker: “The San Sebastian native dropped back considerably to play almost as a left centre-back with the ball. He headed in a corner in the first half and distributed the ball in the second.”
Meanwhile, former Sociedad striker and now pundit Gica Craioveanu said on Spanish radio: “I’ve seen a very good Real Sociedad [against Espanyol].
“It’s been a while since I’ve seen Zubimendi so sharp in managing the team and Sucic is showing what his true level is, it’s a shame he doesn’t do it more often.”
Gunners fans will be delighted to hear that Zubimendi is performing well in Spain, as they look ahead to what he could bring to Arsenal next season.
The number six completed 83% of his passes, six passes into the final third and made four recoveries in what was a complete performance on Sunday afternoon.
Martin Zubimendi of Spain celebrates with a medal during the UEFA EURO 2024 final match between Spain and England at Olympiastadion on July 14, 202…
How will Martin Zubimendi fit in at Arsenal?
Thomas Partey is expected to leave Arsenal when his contract expires at the end of the season, while Jorginho is close to agreeing a deal with Flamengo which will see him join the Brazilian club in the summer.
This likely means Zubimendi will directly replace one of these two, and is expected to partner Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in a midfield trio.
Stylistically, Zubimendi profiles similarly to Partey, boasting impressive defensive output, while his passing and press resistance standout as key attributes.
While he’s unlikely to offer much in the final third, Zubimendi’s sole responsibility will be to progress the ball and prevent transitions in Arteta’s midfield.
