Arsenal may have come agonisingly close to winning the Premier League for the second time in a row this year, but it was another season of progress for them.

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal club won the most Premier League games in a single season, scored the second-most goals, and had the league’s top defence.

However, they were unable to defeat Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team, and reinforcements are required in the off-season if they are to finally win the league title after a 20-year drought.

New signings, including eventual Golden Glove winner David Raya and Declan Rice, played a significant role in the Gunners’ strong Premier League form, giving Arteta hope that this summer’s business will be as successful as it was last year.

Since the start of the transfer market at the beginning of the month, the club has been associated with a number of players, including one whose rumours about a possible move to the Emirates this summer continue to circulate.

Arsenal are interested in signing £51 million talent this summer.

According to reporter Charles Watts of Caught Offside, Arsenal is still interested in Real Sociedad’s Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The 25-year-old had previously been linked with a move to the Emirates, but speculation has died down in recent weeks, with Watts’ comments confirming Arteta’s side’s desire to sign him.

According to the article, a move for Zubimendi will be difficult due to his loyalty to Sociedad, but he does have a €60 million (£51 million) release clause in his current contract, which might allow Arsenal to get a good offer.

The links came after journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the club was close to signing Bologna star Riccardo Calafiori, who may become Arteta’s first summer signing if they reach an agreement with the Serie A team.

Zubimendi has produced some good figures for the Spanish side in 2023/24, and his qualities could help one other Gunners player advance despite his excellent campaign if he joins the club alongside Calafiori.

Why would Zubimendi enable Declan Rice to reach the next level?Rice made an early impact at the Emirates after moving to North London from West Ham United for £105 million last summer, appearing like a bargain despite his exorbitant charge.

The 25-year-old scored seven goals and assisted eight times in 38 Premier League appearances, but played in a slightly different role than he did at the London Stadium – efforts that have earned him a place in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad.

His impressive goal tally was the result of his more advanced box-to-box role, but Zubimendi’s possible arrival might allow the England international to reduce his defensive qualities even further, with his attacking production on display for all to see.

The Spaniard would be an ideal ball-winning partner for Rice and Martin Odegaard in Arteta’s midfield, putting up some impressive numbers that would significantly boost the club’s prospects of winning the Premier League.

Last season, the “incredible” player, as scout Antonio Mango termed him, averaged 1.7 tackles per 90 minutes and 1.3 interceptions, showcasing his ability to retrieve possession for his team.

However, he was equally impressive in possession, completing an average of 52 passes per game at an 86% completion rate, allowing offensive players like Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz to cause havoc if he joins the team.

He may be an expensive signing, but he would undoubtedly improve and complete Arteta’s three-man midfield at the Emirates.

It would allow Rice to progress despite his strong start in North London, as well as provide the club a boost in their quest to overcome their long-running league drought.