Arsenal are looking to make their midfield strong this transfer market. The Premier League side wants to sign one or two top quality midfielders. Along with new signings, some names are linked with an away move. According to recent reports, Arsenal are looking to sign two Spanish midfields. The duo played a main role in making Spain champions of Europe. Both of them are teammates at club level too.
Arsenal want to sell Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe. They want to find a partner for Declan Rice in the midfield. Jorginho has renewed his contract but he can’t play every match. Rice arrived at North London last year for £105 million. His arrival has been very important for Mikel Arteta. Rice played mostly as holding midfielder. However he was used as number eight during the end of 2023/24 season. Gareth Southgate did the same with Rice in Euro 2024 for England. It seems like Rice will be used as number eight next season as well.
Arsenal linked with Spanish duo
Arsenal are reported very close to sign Mikel Merino. The midfielder scored the winning goal against Germany in quarter final. Recent report suggest that Arsenal want to sign his national and club teammate Martin Zubimendi too. It is not the first time has Zubimendi has been linked with a move to North London.
In the first place, Zubimendi was top target for Arsenal in midfield position. However, he is not prepared to move. Zubimendi has no plan to leave Spain. He likes Real Sociedad and is willing to continue there. However, journalist Ben Jacobs told GiveMeSport, that Arsenal are still interested in Spanish star. The Gunners are pushing for Zubimendi and are ready to trigger his £50 million release clause.
On the other hand, Mikel Merino will enter his last year in his current contract. Real Sociedad are ready to sell Merino for around £34 million. However, due to his contract situation Arsenal could get price cut. Gunners could be able to sign Merino for around £25 million.
Martin Zubimendi against England in Euro 2024 final
Arsenal and England were having a tough game in Euro 2024 until half time. The score was tied at 0-0. However, the backbone of Spanish team had to be substituted at half time. England fans were very happy to see Rodri on bench. However their joy did not last long as Spain scored the opening goal just a minute after the second half started. Rodri was the player of the tournament in Euro 2024. Filling his shoes can prove very difficult for any player. However, Zubimendi who replaced Rodri did a pretty good job.
Zubimendi achieved 32 touches and completed 24 out of 26 attempted passes earning him an passing accuracy of 92 percent. He also completed 1 key pass and completed 1 out 1 dribble. Zubimendi was strong in defense too by making 3 important tackles.
Zubimendi vs Merino in 2023/24 season
Both of the Spanish midfielders played main roles for Real Sociedad last season. Mikel Merino was superior to Martin Zubimendi in terms of attacking. In contrast, Zubimendi had the upper hand when it came to defending. Merino played as central midfielder whereas Zubimendi was holding midfielder. However both players are versatile and could do each other’s job too.
Merino was better than Zubimendi in scoring goals, giving assists, key passes, shot creating actions and progressive passes. On the other hand, Zubimendi was better in passing and had better accuracy in both medium passing and long passing. Along with passing he was better in taking ons, progressive carries and interceptions.
If Arsenal are able to sign both Spanish stars, they will have strong midfield options. Declan Rice, Jorginho, Merino and Zubimendi would create a big problem for opponents. It will be interesting to see if Gunners are able to convince Zubimendi to join them. They could use a little help from their new potential player Mikel Merino.
As featured on GoonerNews.com
