3 Moises Caicedo alternatives Arsenal should consider before the deadline

2. Martin Zubimendi

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Zubimendi, but Real Sociedad have told the Gunners to pay the Spaniard’s €60m release clause.

They have the money, so what’s the problem?

Well, it’s hard to find one, to be honest. Zubimendi appears to be a player that Arteta would adore. Many regard the 23-year-old as the heir to Sergio Busquets’ throne in the Spanish national team (and potentially at Barcelona) such is the efficiency at which he plays the pivote position.

Zubimendi has operated as La Real’s graceful fulcrum in the middle of the park under Imanol Alguacil; evolving from a technically gifted metronome into a near complete holding midfielder. His style and profile does contrast to Partey, but that doensn’t mean he’s any less suited to performing as a single pivot in Arteta’s 4-3-3.

The Spaniard is destined for stardom, even if his brilliance does often go under the radar, and in the context of the current market, paying his release clause doesn’t seem to be the worst idea.

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