Martin Zubimendi has snubbed an Arsenal ace as ‘the best’ midfielder ‘in the world’ for a Manchester City player, amid Mikel Arteta targeting the Spain talent’s transfer.
The 25-year-old is currently in Germany helping La Roja strive to become the first four-time winner of the European Championship. Spain began their quest for glory at Euro 2024 with a 3-0 win over Croatia. Luis de la Fuente’s side will take on the reigning champions Italy next.
Zubimendi only featured for the last four minutes of Spain’s win over Croatia for his seventh senior cap so far. The Real Sociedad player has further only started three times for his nation to date. But Arteta is very keen to make Zubimendi an Arsenal player in the summer market.
Arsenal target Martin Zubimendi picks Man City’s Rodri as ‘the best’ midfielder ‘in the world’
Journalist Graeme Bailey exclusively told Arsenal Insider this March that Arsenal boss Arteta really appreciates Zubimendi. He can see a lot of himself with their playing styles in the Real Sociedad star. Arteta also feels Zubimendi could pair with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
Reports by TuttoJuve also note that Arsenal lead the race for Zubimendi’s transfer ahead of Juventus. The Gunners want to launch negotiations with Real Sociedad at €50m (£42m) and avoid triggering a €60m (£51m) release clause. Juventus cannot afford to pip Arsenal’s bid.
But while Arteta would covet playing Zubimendi beside Rice in Arsenal’s midfield, the Spain star believes Manchester City anchor Rodri is ‘the best’ defensive midfielder ‘in the world’. He is also content with having to be second choice to the 27-year-old for Spain at the Euros.
“I am aware of where I am, where I come from [and] what players I have ahead of me,” said Zubimendi, via quotes by football.london. “What is up to me and what is in my hands is to prepare as best as possible and when it is my turn to be at 100 per cent.
“I have assumed my role quite well. Rodri is the best in the world in his position. A European Championship is not about focusing on individual things. I have to contribute everything I can from wherever I am and do everything I can to do it.”
Declan Rice offered a greater defensive presence than Rodri in the Premier League
Rice and Rodri are often considered to be the clear best defensive midfielders in the Premier League. But while Zubimendi feels his compatriot is the best ‘in the world’, Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher ranks Rice over Rodri and thinks ‘there is no bigger compliment’ he can pay.
The elite anchors both played essential roles in their respective club’s efforts in the top-flight last season. Rice played in all 38 of Arsenal’s Premier League fixtures and started 37 as Rodri opened all 34 of his appearances. Rodri had to miss three matches due to two suspensions.
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Rodri still managed to strike a superior offensive record than Rice, despite playing 295 fewer minutes. He scored eight and assisted nine goals to the England star’s seven goals and nine assists. But Rice had 2.3 tackles plus 1.2 interceptions per 90 minutes to Rodri’s 2.1 and 0.8.
Rice also offered more clearances (1.4) per 90 for Arsenal than Rodri (1.2) gave Manchester City, as well as shots blocked (0.3 to 0.2), per WhoScored. So, Rice was a superior midfielder defensively in the Premier League last term to Rodri, who gave the greater offensive threat.