All the hope and positivity that were built before the semi-final of the Arsenal Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain have almost disappeared now.
The defeat against the French champions condemned the side of Mikel Arteta to another disappointing end of a season which promised so much in August.
That said, while many players have stagnated or took a step back for the Gunners this year, some have not done so, as Declan Rice.
English has become even more important for the club this season, and it could improve again next year, because recent reports have linked Arsenal to an international who would be a dream teammate.
Arsenal midfielder search
So before arriving at the player in question, it is worth looking at some of the other fields in which Arsenal has been linked in recent months, like Frenkie de Jong and Kevin de Bruyne.

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The contractual negotiations of the old with Barcelona would not have been particularly well at the moment, so there can be a chance for the Gunners to turn the head of the Dutch, and taking into account his leadership qualities and the fact that he is able to play in the eight or six, it is certainly worth it.
Now signing the latter would undoubtedly be a surprise, but the Belgian has been linked to the Northern Londoners since he was announced that he would leave City at the end of the season, and although he is older, he would always be a brilliant short -term option, because this season alone, he has accumulated 14 objective involvement in 36 games.
However, to get more rice next season, the club may need someone to play a little further, like Martin Zubimendi.
The Spanish international is still very in the photo of Arsenal, and now Miguel Delaney revealed In a recent report according to which the agreement to sign it is “wrapped”.
Earlier reports this year revealed that the impressive midfielder has a liberation clause worth around 51 million pounds sterling, which will almost certainly have to be paid in advance.
It will not be a cheap affair, but given the ability and experience of Zubimendi, it is the one that will be worth it, especially since it could help make rice even better.
Why would Zubimendi make rice even better
When Arsenal signed rice for a club record 105 million pounds sterling in the summer of 2023There was a general expectation from fans and experts he came and would be the new number six of the club in the predictable future.
After all, he spent the majority of his time at West Ham United by playing in front of the defense and excellent there.
However, when he has made many appearances in this position since he moved to the Emirates, his role has evolved, and now, when everyone is in good shape, he plays like the left.
This new position allowed English to have much more impact in the attack phases of the game and with Eight goals and ten assists This season alone, it would be just to say that it is a change that is more than worked.
So why would Zubimenddi help him reach another level?
Well, quite simply, while the Spanish “world class”, as Nicknamed by former teammate Kieran TierneyCan also play in the two roles, he specializes at the base of the midfielder, and taking into account his age and his relatively clean injury record, he would be able to fully take over in the team.
In turn, this would release the former Hammers captain to become even more attacker next year and increase the number of explosive lung racing fans have been more used in recent years.
In addition, the presence of the star of Sociedad Real Sociedad should provide more insurance at the number 41 of the Gunners, because his underlying defensive numbers are quite impressive.
For example, According to FbrefIn the 6% most main 6% of the fields in the best five leagues in Europe for blocked shots and clearances, the most important 7% for the percentage of won air duels, the most important 11% for the percentage of disputed dribblers, the highest 14% for the air duels won and more, all for 90.
Zubimendi’s file | ||
---|---|---|
Team | ||
Apparitions | 323 | 17 |
Minutes | 21215 ‘ | 984 ‘ |
Goals | 10 | 1 |
Aid | 9 | 0 |
Major trophies | 1 | 1 |
All statistics via TransferMarkt |
In addition to that, he is already very experienced, Having made 232 appearances for reality and 15 for SpainWho helped beat England in the European Championship final of last year.
In the end, although this is not the most exciting signature, Zubimenddi seems to be able to dive and perfectly complete this Arsenal team and help Rice to become even more unplayable.

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