Arsenal: What Martin Zubimendi signing means for Declan Rice in new-look midfield
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How Arsenal plan to strengthen in attack either this month or in the summer remains to be seen, but the future of their midfield is becoming clearer. Arsenal are pursuing a summer deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who is a long-term target and has a £51million release clause in his contract.
Liverpool and Manchester City have tracked the 25-year-old in the past but it is understood that the Gunners are in pole position to sign him after talks over the past few months. Bolstering their midfield is key for Arsenal given that Jorginho and Thomas Partey, who are both over 30, are out of contract at the end of the season.
Dubbed the ‘Gen-Z Sergio Busquets’, it is easy to see why Arsenal are attracted to Zubimendi and what he will bring to their midfield. He is the heartbeat of Real Sociedad’s team and no player in their squad has completed more passes in LaLiga this season.
Mikel Arteta likes versatile players, but Zubimendi is an out-and-out No6 and Arsenal will hope he is the final piece of what has proved to be a difficult midfield jigsaw. In the Premier League this season, Arteta has used 13 different midfield combinations in just 21 games.
Of those combinations, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Partey has been the most frequently used, with the trio starting six matches together. No other combination has started more than two games. Injuries have played a part but the arrival of Zubimendi, who is coming into the peak of his career, should bring some stability and it will be intriguing to see how it impacts Rice.
