Arsenal ‘big favourites’ to sign Barcelona target

Robin Bairner

• 10 May 2024 12:00 BST
• 2 min read

Arsenal are poised to beat Barcelona to the signing of Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad, according to a report from Spain that describes the Gunners as “big favourites” to win this particular transfer race.

Mikel Arteta’s side are known to want to strengthen themselves in the heart of the field and have been looking at numerous different options for this particular area of the park.

Newcastle’s Bruno Guimaraes and Everton’s Amadou Onana are among the players linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, though Arsenal have not even settled on the style of central midfielder they wish to sign. This will dictate what role Declan Rice has next season.

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According to Sport (via Fichajes), the player they are currently looking likely to sign is Sociedad and Spain star Zubimendi.

It is stated: “Arsenal have emerged as favourites to secure Zubimendi’s signature especially because of the player’s desire to try his luck in the Premier League. With the possible departure of Thomas Partey in the summer, Zubimendi is set to be an ideal replacement in the Gunners' midfield, strengthening their squad ahead of next season.”

Barcelona have been Arsenal’s major rivals for the 25-year-old midfielder, yet the Catalan side will find matching his release clause of €60 million impossible.

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Zubimendi an ideal fit

Zubimendi’s Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) stands at €42.7m while his contract with Real Sociedad runs until 2027.

Data analytics experts SciSports suggest that Zubimendi would slot into the rotation of Arsenal’s central midfielders quite nicely.

Although rated below Martin Odegaard, Rice and Jorginho in terms of his SciSkill score, which is based on hundreds of in-game data points, the expectation is that he can become the Gunners’ second-strongest defensive player in the middle of the park behind Rice.

SciSports’ data shows that his positioning is excellent, both offensively and defensively, while he rates among the top third of LaLiga midfielders.