Mikel Arteta prides himself on being one step ahead of the curve.
And perhaps that best explains why Arsenal’s list of potential targets includes Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi this summer. Arsenal fans might be forgiven for thinking that they already have a No.6 or anchorman in Declan Rice and ask why they need another holding player.
But Spain international Zubimendi would offer the option of Rice being able to play further forward, develop his game as a marauding all-action midfielder as more of a goalscoring No8. Rice has been a revelation for Arsenal since his £105m move from West Ham last summer and has even been influential for the Gunners, taking corners and free kicks.
The original idea perhaps was for Rice to sit deeper but he has been so good that it has felt a shame to just limit his game.
Thomas Partey has been out injured for most of this season and, while so many experts believe he is among the most talented players at the club, the truth is they probably would have been open to selling him if they had got a decent offer last summer.
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They would have then moved for another deeper lying midfielder and that situation could play out again this summer with Partey possibly leaving and Zubimendi a big target to replace him.
The Real Sociedad midfielder has been targeted in the past with Arsenal looking and also Bayern Munich also another interested club for a player who is believed to have a buy-out clause of around £50m.
Martin Zubimendi in action for Real Sociedad (Getty Images)But Zubimendi was reluctant to leave Spain and yet now Arsenal think he could be tempted for a new challenge in the Premier League. He is a disciplined player who can sit deep, is good in possession and under pressure while he has an excellent passing range.
Arsenal kept their powder dry in January because, while they had money to spend, they were restricted in what they could dot because of Financial Fair Play rules and Profit and Sustainability Rules.
When it became apparent they were not going to sell, they had to put any idea for Brentford’s Ivan Toney on hold but may yet go back when the shackles are off this summer.
Wolves winger Pedro Neto has admirers at Arsenal (AP)They need a prolific striker and a winger to compete, back up and push Arsenal’s existing wide options is another strong possibility. Arsenal like Wolves star Pedro Neto and they have also scouted Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams.
Last summer, it was all about quality more than quantity as Rice came in, Jurrien Timber and also Kai Havertz plus David Raya.
This year, is also likely to be the same. They are not in the business of signing anything other than quality who will push the existing squad and raise the level.
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