Arsenal are interested in midfielder Martin Zubimendi. The Gunners’ desperately seek a fit player for the number six role in their midfield. With injury concerns rising, they feel more options in the midfield will help them by a huge margin.
The Real Sociedad man has emerged as one of the most prominent midfielders in the league. He has also lifted the Euros trophy few months back. Rivals Liverpool and Manchester City tried to lure him but he firmly rejected both clubs proving his loyalty to his boyhood club.
Liverpool were ready to pay a hefty amount to Sociedad but failed to strike a deal in personal terms. The Basque club also lost Le Normand and Mikel Merino last summer. The 25-year old didn’t want to make the situation worse and thus chose to stay.
However, next summer if a good offer comes up to the table, he might be allowed to leave. He’s reaching the prime age of a footballer, and it’s time he showcases his skills at a bigger club at the biggest level. The Premier league has become one of the top leagues in Europe and is one of the best places to shine for a young footballer.
Liverpool still haven’t “moved on” from Zubimendi
Liverpool are still interested in signing Zubimendi after failing to do so last summer. Arne Slot dreams of signing the 25-year old in his team and build his dream squad. However, this time they’ll face stiff competition from rivals Man City and Arsenal.
Both desperately seek a number six and currently the Spaniard is one of the best options available on the market. Gravenberch and Mac Allister have been in fine form which has hidden the desperation for a good defensive midfielder. Slot believes that the 25-year old is more adept to his tactics and he could be more flexible.
With Zubimendi coming in, Mac Allister can push forward and showcase his offensive skills more than now. Liverpool could be able to be more flexible in the attack and build up with more efficiency. This season Liverpool are forced to play two pivots to cover up the defence. However, it has worked so far.
Man City on the other hand have lost the services of Rodri due to a season ending injury. The Cityzens have been poor without him losing four consecutive games on a trot. It’s set to be a three horse race for the signature of Martin Zubimendi next summer.
Can the 25-year old adapt at Arsenal or Liverpool?
We do not see players from the Basque region often at the Premier league clubs. Xabi Alonso was the last successful Basque player to become a Premier league legend at Liverpool. It seems that the 25-year old will follow the footsteps of his idol if he arrives at Arsenal or Liverpool.
At Arsenal he’ll also be received by his former teammates, Mikel Merino and Tierney. This could possibly give the Gunners’ a slight edge over other clubs in pursuit of the Spaniard. This is high time Arsenal make a move for Zubimendi.
Zubimendi should be a good fit for the Premier league clubs as he has a Busquet-esque playing style and is press resistant. Also defensively, he’s quite solid and doesn’t shy away from engaging in duels. If coached properly he might become one of the best defensive midfielders in the British soil.
Now it needs to be seen whether Zubimendi prefers loyalty at his boyhood club or a bigger name for himself in the football world. According to top journalist David Ornstein it is unlikely that Liverpool will be his destination next season.
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