Would Former Liverpool Transfer Target Improve Arsenal?
Liverpool wanted Martin Zubimendi to be its first marquee signing of the Arne Slot era. Of course, the Spanish international stayed at Real Sociedad, and Liverpool has enjoyed a strong start to the 2024/25 season without him, but it now appears Zubimendi could end up in the Premier League after all, just not at Anfield.
Recent reports claim Arsenal is monitoring the 25-year-old in the belief the Emirates Stadium might be an attractive destination for one of the best rhythm-building midfielders in the European game at this moment in time. Zubimendi could be exactly what Mikel Arteta needs to take his team to the next level.
This season has been something of a conundrum for Arsenal. While the Gunners started the campaign well, Martin Odegaard's injury derailed their title challenge. Without the Norwegian, Arsenal lacked creativity in the centre of the pitch as the Gunners suffered damaging defeats to Bournemouth and Newcastle United.
The signing of Zubimendi would give Arsenal more control in midfield. At a time when Europe's best teams are searching for players who can dictate games in the centre of the pitch, the Real Sociedad man is someone who would give the Gunners more quality. He would surely be a first-team figure in North London.
With Zubimendi in the lineup, Arteta could push Declan Rice further forward. While the England international made his name as a number six, he has become more of a number eight since making the move to Arsenal from West Ham two summers ago. With Zubimendi behind him, Rice would be liberated.
Mikel Merino is another player who might benefit from the arrival of Zubimendi. The 28-year-old knows Zubimendi well having played alongside him for Real Sociedad and so it's reasonable to assume the pair would have chemistry together for Arsenal. This could be one of the reasons the Gunners are targeting Zubimendi.
Arsenal finds itself as a crossroads. There are questions about the Gunners' title challenge with Liverpool nine points ahead of Arteta's team at the top of the Premier League table. Edu Gaspar's departure as sporting director could change the transfer strategy at the Emirates Stadium. By all accounts, Edu had a close relationship with Arteta.
News of Arsenal's interest in Zubimendi suggests there is still ambition within the club to keep pushing the team forward. Liverpool might not have landed the Spanish international in the summer transfer window, but the Gunners could use him to get them closer to their first Premier League title since the Arsene Wenger days.
