Arsenal are “pushing” to signal £25m “monster” who’s higher than Zubimendi

With one other win beneath their belt final evening, it will be truthful to say that Arsenal’s preseason has largely been a hit this summer time, and there may be nonetheless another recreation to go.

Mikel Arteta’s facet have been electrical towards Bayer Leverkusen and look able to combat for the Premier League title for the third yr operating subsequent season. Nonetheless, to make sure they’ve the perfect likelihood of succeeding this time, Edu Gaspar and Co should usher in some extra high quality signings earlier than the switch window slams shut.

Riccardo Calafiori stays the one new addition to the primary staff, whereas Martin Zubimendi, a participant the membership have been closely linked to previously, might now be on his option to potential title rivals Liverpool.

Nevertheless, whereas this information could go away some followers feeling a little bit aggravated, the participant they’ve been closely linked with since is a greater choice anyway.

Arsenal switch information

Based on a current report from transfers skilled Fabrizio Romano through GIVEMESPORT, Arsenal have maintained their sturdy curiosity in Actual Sociedad ace Mikel Merino.

The Italian journalist revealed that, just like the Calafiori deal, Arteta has been “pushing” the membership to pursue the Spanish midfielder as he’s a “participant he would like to have on the membership.”

Based on Romano, the Spanish supervisor has been “very influential” for the membership this summer time, and in excellent news, the Sociedad star is “very eager on the transfer.”

There isn’t a point out of how a lot the participant might value the Gunners, however different reviews this summer time have instructed the payment could possibly be round £25m, and whereas that is not insignificant, it might show to be worth for cash, particularly as Merino can be a greater signing for Arsenal than Zubimendi.

How Merino compares to Zubimendi

Okay, so the very first thing to level out is that, sure, each Merino and Zubimendi are gifted midfielders who would convey so much to Arsenal. In spite of everything, the Gunners have been supposedly within the latter earlier this yr, however total, the previous can be a greater signing for a couple of causes.

The primary is that whereas each gamers can begin in both central or defensive midfield, the 28-year-old is extra of a pure eight, whereas his youthful compatriot is a extra pure six, and at this level, the North Londoners clearly want somebody to fill the left-eight spot.

For instance, whereas Declan Rice did play there at factors final season, he admitted that beginning within the six was his “greatest place,” and contemplating it is the place he is spent the overwhelming majority of his profession, it is onerous to disagree with him.

The second purpose is that the previous Newcastle United ace has confirmed himself to be extra of a objective risk, and with Arsenal scoring 5 objectives fewer than Manchester Metropolis final season, that is clearly a difficulty he can successfully handle.

For instance, in 45 appearances for La Actual final season, the 6 foot 2 “monster,” as knowledge analyst Ben Mattinson dubbed him, scored eight objectives and supplied 5 assists, equating to a median of a objective involvement each 3.46 video games.

In distinction, the Liverpool goal scored 4 objectives and supplied one help in 45 appearances, equating to a objective involvement on common each 9 video games.

Lastly, the 28-capped worldwide additionally comes out on prime once we study their underlying numbers.

For instance, his attacking prowess is obvious in the truth that he ranks much better in metrics reminiscent of non-penalty anticipated objectives plus assists, precise non-penalty objectives plus assists, progressive and key passes, passes into the penalty space, shot and goal-creating actions and profitable take-ons all per 90.

Apparently, regardless of not enjoying in a barely extra attacking place than Zubimendi, he additionally performs higher in a number of defensive metrics, reminiscent of tackles received, blocks, aerial duels received, and ball recoveries per 90, exhibiting that he can excel in each phases of play.

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The “world-class” striker can be a game-changer for the Gunners.

In the end, whereas each midfielders are critical skills, Arsenal followers can relaxation assured that in Merino, they’re getting a signing who fits them higher and has Zubimendi comfortably beat in most measurable metrics.