It's tough to point out too many weaknesses in the current Arsenal squad. Their open-play struggles are often answered by their incredible set-piece threat and they now have the best depth in quality throughout the Premier League.
But with seven Premier League games to seal title success, Martin Zubimendi is beginning to deal Mikel Arteta a problem that he does not currently have a solution for.
martin-zubimendi-arsenal
The Spaniard has been one of the signings of the season. It's why he has been an instant mainstay next to Declan Rice and it's also why he's beginning to show the full effect of a full campaign in English football.
Why Arsenal must sign competition for Zubimendi
With Mikel Merino injured, there has been no room for siestas in the middle of the park. Arsenal's midfield has been forced to step up almost every week amid Arteta's hesitance to turn toward Christian Norgaard.
Add on the fact that there's no winter break in England and it's no surprise that Zubimendi is struggling.
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It would be a surprise to see Mikel Arteta's injured pair feature for Arsenal this weekend.
The former Real Sociedad star especially wilted against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup, caught in Pep Guardiola's tactical vice.
As the Citizens pushed into a high block, it was Zubimendi and Rice who had the task of providing a pathway out of the defensive third.
That pathway was simply blocked by a Rodri in Ballon d'Or form, however, and the game simply passed the Arsenal duo by on an afternoon to forget.
Zubimendi was particularly taught a harsh lesson by his compatriot.
Zubimendi vs Man City
Minutes
Touches
Passes complete
Ground duels Won
Dribbled past
At this stage of the season, Arsenal would have benefited from an extra option at the heart of their midfield, and that's exactly why they've got their sights set on a Serie A star.
"Out of this world" Ederson could replace Zubimendi
If the Gunners are to enter an era of dominance, then signing Atalanta's Ederson is certainly one way to do it.
Arteta-Zubimendi-Arsenal
According to Marca in Spain, as relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal are targeting Ederson in an attempt to reinforce their midfield options and perhaps hand Zubimendi the chance to take that much-needed siesta next season.
Dubbed "out of this world" by former England boss Fabio Capello, the Atalanta man is both tireless out of possession and technically astute in possession.
He is the all-rounder that would make up for Zubimendi's physical struggles at this stage of the season.
25/26 League stats P90 Ederson Zubimendi
Minutes 1,688 2,604
Tackles 2.4 1.87
Recoveries 5.39 3.42
Chances created 0.96 0.55
Duels won 5.44 4.39
Passes 49.75 51.64
The numbers suggest that Ederson would be the perfect partner for Rice at the heart of Arsenal's midfield. Although his partnership with Zubimendi has worked wonders, it seems like the Brazilian is simply the more complete player when considering work off the ball.
What's more, the addition of the Atalanta man may cost just €50m (£42m), as per the report, and would even hand Arteta the chance to switch to a more robust midfield three in bigger games.
Atalanta midfielder Ederson
Whilst the Arsenal boss has had plenty of criticism for how the Gunners can lack flair at times, there's still a chance that it proves to be a treble-winning approach.
And Arteta would prefer to win silverware than what he would deem irrelevant approval.
The scariest thought for rival clubs is that Arsenal could still get even better. If Andrea Berta welcomes Ederson this summer, then that will be his Zubimendi problem solved.
If he then fixes that open-play problem, then the Gunners will be the perfect side as others continue to enter a transitional period.
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History is up for grabs at the Emirates and why wouldn't Ederson, alongside others, want to play their part when the summer transfer window swings open?
What may seem like bad news for Zubimendi should be music to the ears of those in North London.