Better than Zubimendi: Arsenal must regret "losing" incredible star in 2021

Arsenal’s injury crisis in recent weeks has highlighted the need for reinforcements in the summer to prevent such an issue from plaguing Mikel Arteta in the future.

The forward line has been the area most greatly affected in the past few matches, resulting in players such as Mikel Merino having to operate in an unnatural centre-forward role.

Gabriel Martinelli returned during the draw with Manchester United last weekend, potentially easing the blow endured by the boss in the last few months.

However, the setbacks have come at a cost, all but ending the club’s Premier League title ambitions, with the 15-point gap more than likely too large to close in the last 10 matches.

As a result, it’s pivotal that the board back the manager in the summer, handing him the funds to land his targets, with one player potentially moving to the Emirates at the end of the campaign.

Martin Zubimendi’s move to join Arsenal in the summer

Back in the January transfer window, it was confirmed that Arsenal were plotting a summer move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The Spaniard was on the radar of fellow Premier League side Liverpool last summer, but the 26-year-old decided to stay put in LaLiga for another season.

However, journalist David Ornstein confirmed that the Gunners have been in long-term talks to sign the midfielder this summer, following in the footsteps of Merino, who also moved from Sociedad at the start of the campaign.

The likes of Jorginho and Thomas Partey are both out of contract this summer, highlighting the need for added reinforcements in the midfield department, with Zubimendi still appearing to be the number one option.

Despite the rumours over recent months, the club may regret allowing one player to depart North London, especially considering his form elsewhere after he left a couple of years ago.

The former Arsenal star who’s outperforming Zubimendi in LaLiga

Countless Arsenal players have moved to Spain after plying their trade in England, with the likes of Thierry Henry moving to Barcelona after his successful spell as a Gunner.

Another player who followed in the same vein is midfielder Dani Ceballos, who spent multiple years on loan in North London before returning to parent club Real Madrid.

The Spaniard spent two years at the Emirates between 2019 and 2021, but they decided against a permanent move after he featured 77 times during his temporary stint.

He’s since been a regular under Carlo Ancelotti’s side, featuring 122 times since he returned to the LaLiag giants ahead of the 2021/22 campaign.

This year alone, the 28-year-old has made 31 appearances for Madrid as they sit second in the league behind Barcelona, producing various key stats along the way.

Ceballos, who’s previously been dubbed “incredible” by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, has outperformed Zubimendi in various key areas – highlighting the mistake Arsenal made in not signing him permanently.

The former loanee has registered a higher shot-on-target rate along with more shot-creating actions per 90 – showcasing his impressive ability in the final third.

However, the Gunners are crying out for a deep-lying option to regain possession, with Ceballos winning more tackles per 90 than Zubimendi, along with more interceptions, having the defensive quality to operate in the desired role.

Given his form since leaving North London, the club may regret not keeping hold of the 28-year-old, with the Spaniard having numerous key qualities that would bolster the current side.

He will remain as a case of what could’ve been, starring at the top level of European football for Madrid, with Arteta needing to put such a mistake behind him and focus on the future as he aims to end the club’s two-decade wait for a league triumph.