Transfer news live updates: January window tracker including latest on Arsenal’s Zubimendi interest

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is a natural No, 6 who can drop in between or alongside the centre-backs, evade pressure and find a team-mate.

He can also play a crucial role in a team’s build-up. This season, with Mikel Merino having left Real Sociedad for Arsenal, Zubimendi has at times taken on more offensive responsibility.

He will likely be involved in the attack further up the sequence chain. He can also establish passing networks with team-mates, preferring to keep his passes short and operating as the team’s metronome.

He would be a more aggressive alternative to either Thomas Partey or Jorginho, who are both out of contract in the summer.

Arsenal are at their best when they move the ball quickly, so that could bring a better tempo to their play.

As the above graphic shows, Zubimendi is absolutely central to everything Sociedad do.

A metronome holding midfielder in the truest sense, he receives passes from the centre-backs, sprays it out wide and to the central attackers, is fantastic at recycling possession and establishes networks all over the pitch.