But the plot twist is that Arsenal fans have been busy dreaming of a shiny new striker this summer and that’s where Mikel Arteta might be pulling off something even better. Meet Real Sociedad’s midfield wizard Martin Zubimendi, Euro 2024 king, and one of the best at controlling a game who actually exists rather than your pal who says he can be the Monopoly banker.
It is no secret that Premier League giants have had their eyes on the 26 year old for some time now and while Liverpool made a play for him last summer, he did not accept. With a tinge of transfer regret and life dangling a €60 million lifeline, Zubimendi is even willing to move from San Sebastián to North London now. Therefore, The catch is, he wants more than enough money.
Why Zubimendi Could Be Arsenal’s Game-Changer
The truth is Granit Xhaka left Arsenal with a leadership size hole in their midfield and while Declan Rice has driven Arsenal’s engine in every way, he’s not a co driver to Arsenal’s creative steering. That’s where Zubimendi comes in. He doesn’t apply the label of flashy, headline hogging. He is the metronome, the set the pace, the tempo of the field, and the fast, fast midfield.
Zubimendi is a dream signing for Arteta, as his love for structured, high press football knows no bounds. He is a man under pressure, tactically calm, and blessed with a passing range that even Pep Guardiola would have to raise his eyebrow at. Arsenal being in the Champions League and now competing for titles is the sort of player who could upgrade them from ‘almost there’ to ‘serious’ contenders.
The Concerns: It’s Not Just About the Football
Zubimendi is not taking the first flight to London yet, tempting taken the tempting four year contract and reported pay rise which would make most of us that want to quit our day jobs. But His concerns? Family relocation, lifestyle and a matter of how long he can survive British weather without a helping of his Basque sunshine.
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