After Calafiori: Arsenal want "incredible" talent who can take Rice to the next level - opinion

of his more advanced box-to-box role, but Zubimendi’s potential arrival could allow the England international to drop his defensive capabilities even further with his attacking output there for all to see.

The Spaniard would be the perfect ball-winning talent to partner Rice and Martin Odegaard in the middle of Arteta’s midfield, producing some excellent figures that would dramatically increase the club’s chances of ending their wait for a Premier League title.

The “incredible” star, as dubbed by scout Antonio Mango, averaged 1.7 tackles per 90 last season, along with 1.3 interceptions - demonstrating his ability to regain possession for his side

Martin Zubimendi's stats in La Liga (2023/24)

Statistics

Tally

Games

31

Passes per 90

52

Pass accuracy

86%

Progressive passes per 90

5.2

Tackles per 90

1.7

Interceptions per 90

1.3

Blocks per 90

1.1

Stats via FBref

However, he was just as impressive in possession, completing an average of 52 passes per game, at a completion rate of 86% - allowing attacking players such as Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz to create carnage should he join the club.

Martin-Zubimendi-Real-Sociedad

He may be a costly addition, but he’d certainly improve and complete Arteta’s three-man midfield at the Emirates.

It would allow Rice to reach the next level despite his impressive start to life in North London and handing the club a boost in their pursuit of ending the long-awaited drought for a league triumph.