Arsenal's midfield transfer targets - ranked

Arsenal's attentions in the summer transfer window are set to shift to the middle of the park after completing the signing of Riccardo Calafiori.

Once it became clear that striker Benjamin Sesko would not be joining the north Londoners, many suspected Arsenal would devote the bulk of their summer resources into acquiring a needle-moving midfielder.

Following back-to-back second-place finishes in the Premier League, 2024/25 is a huge season for Mikel Arteta's Gunners. Expectations are sky-high and this may be the final chance for Arteta to topple Pep Guardiola before his mentor jets off into the sunset and seemingly takes a head coaching role in the NBA.

While we're at such an early stage of Arteta's coaching career, the upcoming campaign is a legacy-defining one for the Spaniard. Their task of usurping Manchester City at the summit is far from a simple one, and they must get their recruitment spot on this summer if the club is to achieve its ultimate goal.

Here's how we rank Arsenal's current midfield transfer targets based on who we think they should sign.

4. Dani Olmo

Dani Olmo reportedly has a gentleman's agreement with RB Leipzig to leave the German club this summer, and although the links are pretty tenuous, Arsenal are said to hold an interest in the player along with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester United.

He is a needle player who excels when combining in and around the opposition's box. Olmo is excellent between the lines and is a sharpshooter in front of goal. The Spaniard could add another dimension to this Arsenal team operating in tandem with Martin Odegaard.

However, given Arteta's focus on security, it seems unlikely that Arteta would utilise Olmo in such a way. That's a very aggressive midfield set-up that could potentially leave Declan Rice on an island in a holding role.

Olmo is a divine footballer, but one that would likely perform a false nine function should he end up on the red side of north London. He's not the midfield profile Arsenal are after.

3. Mikel Merino

Mikel Merino seems to be the most likely midfield arrival for the Gunners this summer, and 90min understands they will accelerate talks for him in the coming days.

The Spaniard is entering the final year of his contract at Real Sociedad and is available for a bargain fee this summer having emerged as one of La Liga's most consistent midfielders since returning to Spain.

He's an imposing figure who excels in the air. Last season, Merino ranked in the 99th percentile among all midfielders in Europe's top five leagues for aerial duels won per 90 minutes (5.99). Arteta loves height, and Merino's prowess in the air would aid Arsenal's ability in both boxes.

Merino, a clean technical performer across the board with the ball, could perform the role Granit Xhaka mastered in 2022/23. The Spaniard can crash the box, too, and his impressive physical profile means there should be no concerns about him getting overwhelmed in the Premier League, especially after previously playing for Newcastle United.

It's not the most inspiring of moves, but one that could prove very astute.

2. Martin Zubimendi

Merino is capable of dropping into a deeper midfield position, but Martin Zubimendi is surely the ideal target if Arsenal want to sign a number six to free up Declan Rice and let him play further forward.

England fans rejoiced at the start of the second half when it was revealed that Rodri had been forced off through injury, but his replacement, Zubimendi, produced a stellar second-half performance to help Spain to Euro 2024 glory.

Metronomic at the base of Real Sociedad's midfield, Zubimendi is your archetypal Spanish midfielder. He can control, retain and dictate; boasting enough dynamism to contribute higher upfield as well. His press resistance allows him to shine in the build-up phase, and although he's fairly diminutive, Zubimendi is an impressive dueller who reads the game well at the base of midfield.

However, prising him away from San Sebastian will be no easy task. He loves Real Sociedad and has previously spoken about his desire to work with Xabi Alonso again.

1. Fabian Ruiz

Rodri may have claimed Player of the Tournament honours at Euro 2024, but Fabian Ruiz was the true hero of Spain's midfield.

Having forged a stellar reputation at Napoli, his PSG career has so far been pretty subdued. Although, he did benefit from the arrival of Luis Enrique as manager last season and an improved 2023/24 carried into the summer where he excelled for the European champions.

Fabian is masterful in possession. A slick operator who plays the game at his own pace. In the final, he demonstrated his ability to overwhelm through sheer technical mastery, but he's previously shown throughout the tournament his threat in and around the box. Fabian penetrates the left inside channel efficiently to create, combine, and score.

The Spaniard is the complete midfielder and would be the needle-mover in the middle of the park Arsenal require to usurp City. Instead of targeting the specific profile of Merino, the Gunners should go all-in on Fabian.

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