Latest developments
- Arsenal want to sign the Real Sociedad star in January
- Martin Zubimendi targeted by multiple Premier League sides
- Real Sociedad and Arsenal's good relations may help transfer
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (4.5/5): The Independent as reliable as any
Arsenal have been struggling so far this season to repeat the success from the the last couple of seasons, when they were in Premier League title fights against Manchester City – albeit unsuccessfully. The Gunners have struggled mainly through midfield, with Declan Rice and Thomas Partey's declining form sending the whole side into a plunge.
Mikel Arteta has reportedly now earmarked Real Sociedad's Zubimendi for a January move as Arsenal look to capitalise on Manchester City's poor form to gang up on Arne Slot's Liverpool for a title battle.
As far as transfer news is concerned, there are very few outlets that are as accurate as the Independent, as such, the report can be believed wholeheartedly.
Value (5/5): Arsenal need the £50 million-rated midfielder
Zubimendi had been closely linked with a move to Liverpool in the summer as the Reds had triggered the €60 million (£ 49.8m) release clause in his contract with Real Sociedad, however, the Spaniard decided to reject the approach in favour of staying with his boyhood club.
The release clause has not changed as Arsenal look towards a January move for the 25-year-old, and it would not be a very difficult to attain fee for the Gunners, who did not spend freely in the summer window. There is not a single better defensive single-pivot in the world at the moment that would be available for a fee as low as €60 million.
Suitability (2.5/5): Zubimendi not used to a double-pivot
While on paper Arsenal may appear to play in a single-pivot system with Partey operating as the defensive midfielder and Rice taking up the mantle of a number eight, Arteta's side do indeed play in a two-pivot system when out of possession, with Rice dropping behind the line set by Martin Odegaard to join Partey as a defensive midfielder.
Zubimendi is most well-known for his abilities being similar to those of Manchester City's Rodri or former Barcelona star Sergio Busquets, who famously thrive in a single-pivot system. As such, Arteta will have to work on the 25-year-old's skill set and turn him into the player he needs before Zubimendi can naturally help Arsenal regain their lost vigour.
Upgrade? (4/5): Pre-historic Partey past his prime
Arsenal is in dire need of replacing Partey as soon as possible, as they have been struggling whenever the Ghanaian has taken to the field.
Zubimendi would also be a slight upgrade on Rice as a purely possession-based defensive midfielder. While the former West Ham star may be a stronger defensive prospect for the Arsenal midfield, his lack of awareness in possession and transition has been one of the reasons he has not been the main number-six for Arteta so far this season.
Logic (2.5/5): Other options more enticing for Zubimendi
Although Zubimendi is highly regarded among Spanish supporters, he is not as well-known outside the country. Moving to the Premier League and helping unleash Arsenal, however, would further increase his fame.
However, the Spaniard has many more enticing options on his hands over the course of the next few months, with the best one being Manchester City's interest in signing him to replace the injured Rodri, who himself has suggested both parties join forces in January. Liverpool too might be back in for the Spaniard.
Whisper+ final verdict – 18.5/25
Although many believe Zubimendi will rank among the world's top midfield players on his own, Arteta also wants to have a variety of choices at six. The Arsenal manager wants to be able to choose between a press-resistant player, a physical player, and a pure passer.
As such, being an option is not something Zubimendi needs at the moment, and he'd be better off choosing other options at this point in his career.
