Arsenal are reportedly pursuing a deal to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
With Thomas Partey aged 31 and Jorginho aged 33, the Gunners will aim to bolster their midfield with the signing of one of Europe's most highly rated midfielders.
Though Zubimendi isn't required a necessity for Arsenal's remainder of the season, a deal would bring the Spaniard to London in the summer, where he would likely be a big part of Arteta's plans for the coming years.
We take a deep dive into Zubimendi's profile, attributes and explore what he could bring to Arteta's Arsenal.
Born on 2nd February 1999, Zubimendi is currently 25 years old.
Originally from San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa in the Basque Country, Zubimendi joined Real Sociedad's youth academy aged 12.
Zubimendi is believed to have a €60m release clause that is set to be activated by Arsenal.
The 25-year-old is under contract at Real Sociedad until the summer of 2027.
Martin Zubimendi operates best in a defensive midfield role, though he is also capable of playing as a box-to-box midfielder.
The Spain international is comfortable in both a single and double pivot.
Zubimendi is 5ft 11ins and lean in build.
The Spanish international is naturally right-footed, but is adept at using his left.
Zubimendi is effective in controlling play from deep positions, with an immense understanding of the game empowering his decision making.
While the midfielder is most productive when doing the simple things efficiently, we shouldn't undermine his ability to be progressive in possession, always looking to play forward when possible.
He is comfortable receiving the ball on the half-turn, often scanning before the ball arrives to determine what his next move will be.
The Spaniard is extremely impressive off the ball too, aggressive and tenacious in his duels on and off the ground.
Metric | Total (Per 90) | Rank |
% of dribblers tackled | 61.5% | Top 10% |
Clearances | 2.23% | Top 10% |
Touches in defensive penalty area | 3.78 | Top 10% |
Successful take on % | 69.7% | Top 7% |
% of aerials won | 66.3% | Top 4% |
(Source: FBref.com based on comparison to positional peers across Europe's Top 5 Leagues in last 365 days).
Zubimendi joined Real Sociedad's youth setup in 2011, leaving behind Antiguoko, an amateur youth Spanish football club.
He would stay put at Antiguoko on a two-year loan move to help further enhance his development.
From 2016 to 2019, the midfielder would be an integral part of Real Sociedad's B and C side setup, before earning the chance to play regularly for the first team in 2019.
The Spanish midfielder represented his nation at youth level, playing for Spain at U17, U19, U21 and U23 level.
Zubimendi has played just 15 times for his national team, with strong competition in the form of Rodri in the same position.
Luis de la Fuente handed him his debut on 8th June 2021, in an international friendly against Lithuania.
Arsenal are averaging around 55% possession per 90 in the Premier League at present, and while this figure isn't low, it is lower than Chelsea, Tottenham, Manchester City and Liverpool's totals.
Zubimendi could help add even more control to Arteta's side, initiating play from deep, a skill which is currently lacking in the Arsenal midfield.
His presence could also allow Declan Rice to operate in a more advanced role, better able to display his athleticism.