Mikel Arteta could build one of the strongest midfields in the Premier League - if Arsenal sign Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard. With Jorginho already at Flamengo and Thomas Partey's contract expiring this month, the Gunners are in desperate need of some fresh legs.
football.london understands that the Real Sociedad playmaker and the Brentford captain are both poised to join Arsenal this summer. The north Londoners are long admirers of Zubimendi, who has a release clause in his contract worth €60m (£51.4m).
Arsenal have been keeping tabs on the 26-year-old since the summer of 2023, with Arteta said to be a big fan. The Gunners are under the assumption that they have successfully secured his signature.
Meanwhile, football.london also understands that the north Londoners have been interested in signing Norgaard for at least two years. Thanks to Andrea Berta, Arteta seems to have finally landed his two targets.
So, with that being said, football.london had looked at three ways Arsenal could set up next season.
Zubimendi slots between Odegaard and Rice
The Gunners will likely continue to play a 4-3-3 next season. Last term, Thomas Partey was operated as a No.6; in possession, he provided a link between the backline and midfield, receiving the ball deep on the half-turn; out of possession, he shielded the back-line, intercepting through passes and marking box-crashers.
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Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice flanked Partey as two No.8s; out of possession, the former often led the press while the latter slotted alongside Partey to create a double pivot. Zubimendi will most likely be expected to fulfil the Partey role.
Arteta overloads the midfield with Norgaard
If Arteta wanted to try something new, he could play a diamond in midfield. Zubimendi could remain as the No.6, with Rice and Norgaard as the No.8s, and Odegaard as the No.10.
Arsenal would, of course, lack width, so they'd heavily rely on the two frontmen to create space in the middle of the park, as well as Rice's willingness to make forward runs. If the Gunners could dominate possession, though, the opposition wouldn't get a sniff.
Martin Zubimendi is closing in on becoming the first new summer arrival at Arsenal.
Martin Zubimendi is closing in on becoming the first new summer arrival at Arsenal. (Image: GSI/Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Zubimendi and Rice shield the backline
Arsenal will likely operate a 4-2-3-1 when they lock horns against tough opposition. The shape is similar to the aforementioned 4-3-3, but Zubimendi and Rice would be shielding the back-line in a double pivot in and out of possession.
The wingers would also be expected to make a much greater effort to defend the wide spaces. As games come to a close, the Gunners will probably fall back into this formation, with Norgaard coming off the bench to sit alongside Zubimendi or Rice.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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