Planning never stops at Arsenal. Even when results are good, the work continues behind the scenes. This time, the focus is on a smart and affordable target. Reports suggest Andrea Berta is plotting a move for a £17m-rated midfielder who could fit perfectly under Mikel Arteta Premier League plans.
This is not about noise.
This is not about hype.
It is about control, balance, and long-term thinking. Exactly the kind of player Arteta likes.
Some around the club are already calling him Zubimendi 2.0.
Why Mikel Arteta Premier League Plans Matter Here
Arteta has been clear with his vision.
He wants midfielders who think fast, players who keep the ball moving, and wants calm under pressure.
That profile has shaped Arsenal’s recruitment in recent years. When the club missed out on Martín Zubimendi in the past, the idea never left.
Now, a similar type of player has appeared on the radar. Younger. Cheaper. Hungry.
For Arteta football, this is the exact mould.
Who Is the £17m Target?
The name is still being kept quiet in reports. But the profile is clear.
He is comfortable under pressure, sharp with short passes, and strong in his positioning.
He is not flashy, not loud, but does the simple things very well.
That is why comparisons with Zubimendi are already being made.
🚨 As injuries mount, Arsenal eyes Elche's Rodrigo Mendoza, a talented young European prospect, reportedly available for £17.5M. 🔴🇪🇸
🗞️: Sky Sports pic.twitter.com/Wh36ne0W2q
— Footballnus (@footballnus) December 30, 2025
Why Andrea Berta Is Driving This Deal
Andrea Berta is known for spotting value before it explodes.
He looks for players who fit the system, budget, and the long-term plan.
A £17m deal is not random. It is calculated.
Berta knows Gunners do not need stars in every position. They need solutions. And this target looks like one.
🚨 As Arsenal continue their search for young talent across Europe amid ongoing injury concerns, Elche's Rodrigo Mendoza has emerged as a serious option for the Gunners.
Sporting director Andrea Berta is leading the club's pursuit of the Spanish midfielder, who could be… pic.twitter.com/kCc76xJ0zh
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) December 30, 2025
Mikel Arteta Premier League Style Needs This Profile
In the Premier League, control matters.
Games are fast.
Pressing is intense.
Mistakes are punished.
Arteta’s system depends on midfielders who can receive the ball under pressure, turn quickly, and recycle possession.
This is where the “Zubimendi 2.0” label fits.
He helps Arsenal stay calm when games get messy.
Why £17m Makes Sense for Arsenal
Big fees bring big pressure.
Smart fees bring flexibility.
At £17m, this signing would add depth, reduce risk, and allow growth.
If he succeeds, Arsenal win big.
If he needs time, the cost is manageable.
That balance is important in modern squad building.
How He Could Be Used Under Arteta
This player would not be thrown straight into the spotlight.
He would rotate in league games, get cup minutes, and learn the system without being thrown into the deep end.
Arteta likes to trust players slowly. That patience has worked before.
Over time, this midfielder could become a key part of Arsenal’s control in big games.
Why the Zubimendi Comparison Keeps Coming Back
The comparison is not about fame.
It is about function.
Zubimendi offers intelligence, discipline, and calm play.
This target shows the same traits.
He keeps things ticking, protects the defence, allows creative players to take risks.
That is priceless in Arteta’s system.
What This Says About Arsenal’s Direction
This move shows Arsenal are not chasing trends.
They are planning ahead, spending smart, and trusting structure.
Instead of buying stars late, they are shaping the squad early.
That is how title-challenging teams stay strong.
What Happens Next
Nothing is rushed yet.
Scouting continues.
Background checks matter.
Timing is key.
But the interest is real. And if the price stays right, Arsenal could move quickly.
The groundwork is already in place.
Final Verdict
This is not a flashy story.
That is the point.
Andrea Berta targeting a £17m midfielder for Arteta football feels smart, calm, and deliberate. If he really is Zubimendi 2.0, Arsenal may finally get the profile they wanted — without paying the premium they once feared.
Sometimes the best signings are not the loudest.
They are the ones that make everything else work better.
As featured on GoonerNews.com