Arsenal’s Injury Crisis Highlights Need for Summer Reinforcements
Arsenal’s recent injury woes have underscored the urgent need for summer reinforcements to avoid a similar situation for Mikel Arteta in the future. The forward line has been particularly hard-hit in recent matches, forcing players like Mikel Merino into unnatural roles at centre-forward.
The return of Gabriel Martinelli during last weekend’s draw with Manchester United has provided some relief, but the setbacks have severely dented Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes. With a 15-point gap and just 10 matches remaining, the Gunners’ chances of closing the gap appear slim.
To address these challenges, the club’s board must back Arteta in the transfer market this summer, providing the funds needed to secure key targets. One player who could join Arsenal at the end of the season is Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
Martin Zubimendi’s Potential Move to Arsenal
Arsenal’s interest in Zubimendi dates back to the January transfer window, when reports confirmed the Gunners were planning a summer move for the Spanish midfielder. Zubimendi was also on Liverpool’s radar last year, but he chose to remain in LaLiga.
Journalist David Ornstein revealed that Arsenal have been in long-term discussions to sign Zubimendi, following the path of Mikel Merino, who also made the switch from Sociedad earlier this season. With midfielders Jorginho and Thomas Partey both out of contract this summer, reinforcements are essential, and Zubimendi remains a top priority.
The Former Arsenal Star Outperforming Zubimendi in LaLiga
However, Arsenal may regret allowing another midfielder to leave North London, especially given his current form at Real Madrid. Dani Ceballos, who spent two years on loan at Arsenal between 2019 and 2021, has become a key player under Carlo Ancelotti.
Despite featuring 77 times during his loan spell, Arsenal opted not to sign Ceballos permanently. Since returning to Madrid, he has made 122 appearances and has been instrumental this season, with 31 appearances in LaLiga as the club chases Barcelona for the title.
Ceballos has outperformed Zubimendi in several key areas this season. His shot-on-target accuracy, pass completion rate, shot-creating actions, tackles won, and interceptions per 90 minutes all surpass Zubimendi’s stats (see table below).
| 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 |
Ceballos’ ability to contribute both defensively and in the final third highlights the qualities Arsenal missed out on by not signing him permanently.
Looking Ahead
While Ceballos remains a case of what could have been, Arteta must focus on the future. Securing Zubimendi or another top midfielder will be crucial as Arsenal aim to end their two-decade wait for a Premier League title. The summer transfer window presents an opportunity to address the squad’s weaknesses and build a team capable of challenging for silverware.
