Arsenal are now rivalling Tottenham Hotspur to sign a "truly fantastic" midfielder, but it could take a huge bid to get a deal done this month.
Gunners looking to sign midfielder despite Zubimendi's fine form
Martin Zubimendi has adapted remarkably well to life in the Premier League since arriving in the summer, and Declan Rice recently praised his midfield partner, saying: "He’s not the biggest player or the strongest, but his brain, the way it works, allows the team to function in such a good way.
"He’s been unreal. He’s played so many minutes for us, the way he gets on the ball, obviously he’s Spain’s No.6 at the minute and rightly so, you see the quality he brings, the calmness, the composure, the way he thinks."
Rice has also remained a key player for Mikel Arteta, and the Englishman's brace against AFC Bournemouth last time out could be priceless in the Premier League title race, with the north Londoners now six points clear of Manchester City, after a late Chelsea equaliser.
Declan Rice celebrates for Arsenal
Although Arteta is blessed with some top-quality options in the middle of the park, Arsenal have now set their sights on another midfielder, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which reveals they have joined the race to sign AZ Alkmaar star Kees Smit.
A whole host of Premier League clubs are in the race for the central midfielder, including Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool, with a scout saying: “He is a very clever footballer, many clubs actually thought they had spotted a player that others might not be aware of, but it has become apparent in recent months that everyone is watching him."
However, should the Gunners be keen to get a deal done this month, they may need to make a huge bid, as there is a belief Smit's current employers could hold out for as much as £65m.
"Truly fantastic" Smit is destined for the Premier League
Scout Jacek Kulig has admired the 19-year-old for quite some time, taking to X to commend his performances for AZ Alkmaar during the 2024-25 campaign.
Since then, the young Dutchman, who is represented by the same agent as Jurrien Timber, has continued to impress for Alkmaar, chipping in with two goals and five assists in 27 matches across all competitions this season, having established himself as an important player.
The starlet is also a skilled dribbler of the ball, who is capable of driving the ball forward, averaging 2.38 progressive carries per 90 over the past year, which places him in the 94th percentile, compared to other midfielders.
The next logical step is for Smit to move to one of Europe's top leagues, but signing a new midfielder shouldn't be a priority for Arsenal, given the partnership Rice and Zubimendi have formed.