FridayOL

Arsenal's pursuit of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has drawn criticism from an unlikely source: Manchester United legend Paul Scholes. The Gunners are reportedly prepared to splash out £51 million for the 26-year-old, but Scholes isn't convinced it's a smart move, questioning both Zubimendi's quality and his fit within Mikel Arteta’s system.

Speaking to TalkSport, Scholes expressed his reservations, suggesting that Arsenal could be making a significant error in judgment. The former Red Devils midfielder isn’t entirely sold on Zubimendi's ability to control midfield battles and doesn't believe he possesses the necessary aggression or dynamism to thrive in the Premier League.

“I’m not sure he’s Arsenal’s type,” Scholes stated bluntly. “They need someone with a little more energy, a little more bite, someone who can win the ball back and drive forward. Zubimendi looks like he’s happy to pass it sideways and play safe.”

Arsenal’s midfield has been a key area of focus for manager Mikel Arteta, particularly after the departure of Granit Xhaka and the uncertainty surrounding the future of Thomas Partey. Zubimendi has long been identified as a potential solution, with his composure and passing range appealing to Arteta’s tactical philosophy. However, Scholes believes that Arsenal's need for a more combative presence in the middle of the park hasn't been adequately addressed.

The Spaniard's style is often described as metronomic, dictating the tempo of play with precise passing and positional awareness. While this can be valuable, Scholes argues that it lacks the intensity required to dominate the Premier League's fiercely contested midfield. He implies that Arsenal’s current squad might require a player with a different skill set, someone who can disrupt opposition play and provide a more direct threat.

The transfer fee also comes under scrutiny from Scholes. With such a significant investment, he expects a player who can immediately elevate the team’s performance. He’s not convinced Zubimendi, based on what he’s seen, will provide that impact. Arsenal fans will be keen to see if Arteta can prove Scholes wrong and integrate Zubimendi successfully into the team, but the former Manchester United star's critique is sure to fuel debate around the potential signing.

Ultimately, Arsenal’s success will depend on whether Zubimendi can adapt to the demands of the Premier League and whether his skillset complements the existing dynamics of the squad. Scholes’s comments serve as a timely reminder that even the most promising signings can fall short of expectations, and that careful consideration must be given to a player’s suitability before committing such a substantial sum.