Arsenal are close to signing a “world-class” star.

After beating Brentford on New Year's Day, Arsenal They failed to win any of their subsequent three matches.

Mikel Arteta The team tied with Brighton & Hove Albion in Premier League Then they lost to Newcastle United and Manchester United in the League Cup and FA Cuprespectively.

Despite conceding goals in each of those matches, the biggest problem was establishing the Gunners' attack, and while he was the club's captain Martin Odegaard He looked better against the Red Devils and – barring the horrific penalty – he looked far from his best this year.

His poor form is no doubt partly down to the ankle injury he suffered earlier in the season, but it could also be due to the midfield being chopped up and changed around him, so recent reports link the club with someone who could be a mainstay in the team come season. Next and dream teammate, he should excite fans.

Arsenal transfer news

According to a recent report from talkSPORT's Chief football correspondent Alex CrookArsenal have shown serious interest in signing Real Sociedad star Martin Zobimendi this summer.

In fact, Crook goes further, claiming that personal terms are “already in place” with the player and that Liverpool are now not expected to reconsider their interests.

Crook did not say how much the transfer would cost, but in another report issued earlier today, journalist Sami Moqbel revealed that the Gunners would… Activation of the release clause of 51 million pounds sterling In the Spanish contract in the summer.

It is undoubtedly a large sum of money, but given Zobimendi's ability, it could be worth more than that, especially since he could be Odegaard's dream teammate.

Why would Zubimendi be an ideal teammate?

So, there are several reasons why Zobimendi would be an excellent teammate for Odegaard at Arsenal, the first being that they have played together already.

Before joining the Gunners in 2021, the Norwegian maestro He spent the 19/20 season on loan With Real Sociedad, where he played alongside Mikel Merino in the midfield, the then 25-year-old Spaniard Join at the end of the campaign.

The second reason he is a great teammate is that he rarely comes out injured, having made a mistake Only ten games since the beginning From the 20/21 campaign.

This is extremely important, as his ability to start games week after week will help him build footballing relationships with his new teammates, maintain a sense of continuity within the squad and help build momentum.

As they say, availability is the best ability.

Finally, as his underlying numbers show, the international is “world class,” as he called him Spanish football writer Alexandra Johnsonis able to fulfill the defensive and attacking responsibilities of playing at the base of midfield, allowing Odegaard to focus his attention on what is happening at the sharp end of the pitch.

For example, According to FBrefThe 25-year-old is in the top 5% of midfielders in Europe's top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, in terms of the percentage of successful dribbles and the percentage of aerial duels won, and the top 10% in terms of the percentage of dribbles completed. Blocked, Top 11% for Passes, Top 12% for Passes Blocked, Top 15% for Shots Blocked and more, all for each 90.

Ultimately, it may not make a difference this season, but the news that Arsenal are ready to sign Zobimendi in the summer should seriously get fans excited, as with him in the team, Odegaard could be given more license to move forward and play at full capacity. His energy. possible.