Arsenal’s recent injury problems have highlighted the necessity for squad depth and potential summer signings to avoid similar issues in the future under Mikel Arteta.
The forward line has been particularly affected, forcing players like Mikel Merino into unfamiliar roles.
Gabriel Martinelli’s return against Manchester United provided some relief to the squad.
However, these setbacks have significantly impacted Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes, with a 15-point gap seeming insurmountable in the remaining matches.
Therefore, it’s crucial for the Arsenal board to support Arteta in the summer transfer window, providing funds for key acquisitions.
Martin Zubimendi’s Potential Move to Arsenal
Reports in January indicated Arsenal’s interest in signing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in the summer.
Liverpool was also reportedly interested in the Spanish player last summer, but Zubimendi chose to stay in La Liga.
Journalist David Ornstein reported that Arsenal has been in long-term discussions to sign Zubimendi this summer, potentially following the path of Merino from Real Sociedad.
With Jorginho and Thomas Partey’s contracts expiring this summer, midfield reinforcements are needed, and Zubimendi appears to be a primary target.
Despite interest in Zubimendi, Arsenal might regret letting go of a former player, especially considering his impressive performances since leaving.
Dani Ceballos: Outperforming Zubimendi in La Liga
Many players have moved from Arsenal to Spain, including Thierry Henry’s move to Barcelona.
Dani Ceballos, who spent several years on loan at Arsenal before returning to Real Madrid, is another example.
Ceballos played 77 games for Arsenal during his loan spell from 2019 to 2021, but Arsenal didn’t make the move permanent.
Since returning to Real Madrid in the 2021/22 season, he has become a regular player, making 122 appearances.
This season, Ceballos has played 31 times for Madrid, who are currently second in La Liga, contributing with strong performances.
Ceballos, once praised as “incredible” by Pep Guardiola, has statistically outperformed Zubimendi in key areas, highlighting Arsenal’s potential mistake in not permanently signing him.
| Ceballos vs. Zubimendi La Liga Stats (2024/25) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Statistics (per 90) | Ceballos | Zubimendi |
| Games played | 15 | 26 |
| Minutes played | 832 | 2149 |
| Shot-on-target accuracy | 40% | 29% |
| Pass accuracy | 95% | 83% |
| Shot-creating actions | 4 | 1.5 |
| Tackles won | 2 | 1.3 |
| Interceptions | 1.5 | 1.3 |
| Stats via FBref | ||
Ceballos has a higher shot-on-target rate and more shot-creating actions per 90, demonstrating his attacking contributions.
Arsenal needs a strong defensive midfielder, and Ceballos surprisingly wins more tackles and interceptions per 90 than Zubimendi, indicating his defensive capabilities in that role.
Considering his form since leaving Arsenal, the club might regret not keeping Ceballos, as he possesses qualities that could benefit the current team.
Ceballos’s success at Real Madrid highlights what could have been for Arsenal. Arteta must learn from past transfer decisions and focus on future strategies to achieve a league title after two decades.
Vihaan Mehrotra