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 evening.

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, just some days after the frustration in Paris, transfers professional Fabrizio Romano lastly gave Martin Zubimendi’s long-rumoured transfer to Arsenal the ‘right here we go’ therapy.

The main points nonetheless should be finalised, however the Spanish worldwide is now set to affix 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 certainly one of his new teammates on the Emirates.

Why Arsenal need Zubimendi

Earlier than we get to the participant in query, it is price inspecting 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 affix Brazilian facet Flamengo in the summertime.

Nonetheless, Arteta and Co are clearly within the Spanish worldwide for way over 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 prime 6% of midfielders throughout Europe’s prime 5 leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, for photographs blocked and clearances, the highest 7% for touches in his penalty space and proportion of aerial duels received, the highest 15% for tackles within the attacking third and extra, all per 90.

That is not all, although, as on prime 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 group, together with 90 minutes within the membership’s 2020 Copa del Rey triumph, and received 15 caps for Spain, certainly one of which got here within the second half of the European Championships last, a sport La Roja beat England in.

In all, Zubimendi’s technical and defensive skill, mixed together with his expertise of profitable when the strain is on, makes him appear to be the perfect midfield acquisition for Arsenal this summer time, even when he is price tens of millions lower than certainly one of his future teammates.

The Arsenal star price tens of millions greater than Zubimendi

Whereas Partey and Mikel Merino have each performed important 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 onerous to say he is not confirmed himself worthy of it this yr, with Sky Sports activities’ Jamie Carragher describing him because the membership’s “greatest participant this season.”

Whereas it’d sound just a little 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 median of a aim involvement each 2.77, which is undeniably spectacular for somebody primarily enjoying as an eight.

Furthermore, FBref has positioned him within the prime 5% of midfielders in Europe’s prime 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.

In the end, 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.