Arsenal might flip their consideration to Martin Zubimendi as they’re more likely to have a second bid rejected for Moises Caicedo…
What’s the phrase?
The Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder has been banished from coaching and matches till February after he revealed his intention to go away the membership earlier than Tuesday’s switch deadline, nonetheless, the Seagulls are holding agency with an £80m asking value regardless of two gives, per the Daily Mail.
Meanwhile, based on The Times, the Gunners are additionally within the Real Sociedad star, who is accessible at a far cheaper value of round £53m, due to his launch clause.
Mikel Arteta desires so as to add depth to his engine room after Mohamed Elneny suffered a contemporary injury, leaving him mild on choices behind the likes of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey, who himself was withdrawn with an issue in Friday night time’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester City.
Should Arsenal swoop for Zubimendi as a substitute?
YES!
NO!
He’s the “new Busquets”
Whilst Caicedo is undoubtedly an immense expertise and one that’s confirmed within the Premier League, Arsenal chief Edu Gaspar might do little incorrect in choosing the cheaper various in Zubimendi as a substitute, significantly if it means the supervisor shall be getting a midfielder this week as a substitute of in the summertime.
La Real’s 5 foot 11 anchorman has been dubbed as “the new Sergio Busquets” by journalist Jacque Talbot as for a very long time, he has been thought of the pure inheritor to the Spain worldwide, having developed as a no.6 and box-to-box midfielder.
Speaking about Zubimendi’s plain abilities, former Real Madrid star Xabi Alonso praised him by saying:
“Martin’s a player all coaches would want. He’s generous, he always thinks more about his teammates than himself. He has that ability to generate play, to make those around him better, always offering solutions; to improve the move. He understands what the next step is before the ball gets to him. He has that ability to organise, the axis.”
The 23-year-old has been a key cog in Sociedad’s push for third place in LaLiga this time period, enjoying more minutes than another outfield participant and this has correlated into some eye-catching returns, having averaged 2.4 aerials gained, 1.92 clearances and 1.5 interceptions per 90 during the last 12 months.
This ranks him very favourably in comparison with different midfielders throughout Europe, together with Caicedo who’s similar to when it comes to statistical profile. Indeed, Zubimendi ranks inside the highest 7%, 10% and 19% for these aforementioned statistics, all by way of FBref.
The Spaniard has additionally earned a likeness to Toni Kross, based on expertise scout Jacek Kulig, who has additionally decried him as a “playmaker” with sturdy passing, imaginative and prescient and “tactical intelligence.”
Given the proof above, Zubimendi might have all the things that Arteta wants in a brand new midfielder and contemplating Partey’s potential absence, it’s a place that desperately wants enhancing earlier than Tuesday night time.
Caicedo goes to command manner too large a value to get it over the road in time, so the Sociedad “baller” – as lauded by broadcast journalist Buchi Laba – is an ideal various at £53m. Therefore, Edu should flip his focus to signing Zubimendi with just a few days left within the window.
AND in different news, Arsenal might discover their dream Partey inheritor with Edu “tracking” £26.5m “special talent”…