Arteta has struck gold on Arsenal star worth millions more than Zubimendi

There are nonetheless two Premier League video games to go, however for all intents and functions, Arsenal’s season got here to an finish on Wednesday night time.

Furthermore, whereas Mikel Arteta and the gamers nonetheless have to offer their all for these two video games – Champions League soccer hasn’t been secured but – it is clear the membership are looking forward to subsequent season.

For instance, only a few days after the frustration in Paris, transfers skilled Fabrizio Romano lastly gave Martin Zubimendi’s long-rumoured transfer to Arsenal the ‘right here we go’ remedy.

The small print nonetheless should be finalised, however the Spanish worldwide is now set to hitch the Gunners for round £51m in the summertime, and whereas that is tremendously thrilling, he’ll must hit the bottom operating to see his valuation match that of one among his new teammates on the Emirates.

Why Arsenal need Zubimendi

Earlier than we get to the participant in query, it is price analyzing why Arsenal are so eager to signal Zubimendi within the first place.

Firstly, he helps to pad out the quantity six place within the squad, as whereas Thomas Partey is reportedly in talks with the membership over a brand new deal, Jorginho is ready to hitch Brazilian facet Flamengo in the summertime.

Nonetheless, Arteta and Co are clearly within the Spanish worldwide for excess of that, together with his defensive nous.

For instance, in accordance with FBref, the “elite tempo controller,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, sits within the high 6% of midfielders throughout Europe’s high 5 leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, for pictures blocked and clearances, the highest 7% for touches in his penalty space and share of aerial duels gained, the highest 15% for tackles within the attacking third and extra, all per 90.

That is not all, although, as on high of his defensive talents, the “world-class” midfielder, as dubbed by former teammate Kieran Tierney, additionally has an abundance of expertise and, extra importantly, has confirmed himself in high-pressure video games.

For instance, he is made 233 appearances for Sociedad’s first workforce, together with 90 minutes within the membership’s 2020 Copa del Rey triumph, and gained 15 caps for Spain, one among which got here within the second half of the European Championships remaining, a sport La Roja beat England in.

In all, Zubimendi’s technical and defensive skill, mixed along with his expertise of profitable when the stress is on, makes him appear to be the best midfield acquisition for Arsenal this summer season, even when he is price thousands and thousands lower than one among his future teammates.

The Arsenal star price thousands and thousands greater than Zubimendi

Whereas Partey and Mikel Merino have each performed vital roles for Arsenal this season, neither one has the next valuation than Zubimendi, nor ought to they.

Declan Rice, conversely, does, with Transfermarkt valuing him at €110m, which is about £93m, or a whopping £42m greater than the Sociedad star is ready to value the Gunners.

Now, whereas that’s undoubtedly some huge cash for a central midfielder, it could be exhausting to say he is not confirmed himself worthy of it this yr, with Sky Sports activities’ Jamie Carragher describing him because the membership’s “finest participant this season.”

Whereas it’d sound somewhat hyperbolic, such feedback are greater than backed up by the midfield monster’s statistics this yr.

For instance, in 50 appearances, the “monster” Englishman, as dubbed by Arsenal author Connor Humm, has scored eight targets and supplied ten assists, which comes out to a mean of a objective involvement each 2.77, which is undeniably spectacular for somebody primarily taking part in as an eight.

Furthermore, FBref has positioned him within the high 5% of midfielders in Europe’s high 5 leagues for progressive carries and nook kicks, the highest 6% for carries into the penalty space, the highest 7% for crosses, the highest 8% for assists, the highest 10% for targets plus assists and extra, all per 90.

Finally, signing Zubimendi is extremely thrilling and exhibits actual ambition from Arsenal, however he should be really sensational in North London to see his valuation match Rice’s.