Arsenal are reportedly in 'pole position' to sign Real Sociedad defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer.
The Lowdown: January interest
Arsenal were reportedly interested in a move for Zubimendi in the January transfer window, but he did not want to leave Sociedad mid-season, even though the Gunners were willing to pay his £52.5m release clause.
They have recently been linked with a big-money move for West Ham United and England star Declan Rice this summer, who could cost nearly double that of Zubimendi, while they had two bids rejected for Brighton and Hove Albion's Moises Caicedo in January, the second thought to be worth £70m.
Nonetheless, Mikel Arteta clearly wants a new central midfielder this summer, and it will be interesting to see who he goes for.
The Latest: Arsenal in 'pole position'
Speaking to Italian news outlet Calciomercato, DosisFutbolera.com journalist Eugenio Mateo Serrano says that the North Londoners are in 'pole position' to sign Zubimendi this summer, although he is also the number one target for FC Barcelona:
"I don't think so. Xavi needs another player to replace Busquets. The No. 1 pick is Martin Zubimendi, of Real Sociedad. But it's also difficult because Zubimendi wants to play in the Premier League, and for me Arsenal are in pole position."
The Verdict: Cheaper alternative
Zubimendi would likely be a cheaper and ideal alternative to the likes of Rice and Caicedo should deals for them fall through this summer.
Hailed as a 'special' midfielder by journalist Sid Lowe, who likens him to midfield legend Xabi Alonso, he has also been labelled as the 'new Sergio Busquets' in comparison to Barca's midfield dynamo.
Compared with all midfielders in Europe's top five leagues over the past year, Zubimendi ranks in the 91st percentile for aerials won per game, as well as in the 90th for clearances and 84th for interceptions (FBRef).
At 24 years of age, the Spaniard still has so much potential, and could elevate his game even more under his fellow countryman and former midfielder Arteta.