Prior to pushing Arsenal to pursue Zubimendi, Arteta encouraged the club to enquire about the availability of his Real Sociedad teammate Mikel Merino, who he saw as the perfect fit for the left-eight position.

Mikel Arteta has said that the club have "very clear ideas" on who they want to sign during the January transfer window as they struggle with an influx of injuries.

The Gunners will welcome their arch-rivals Tottenham to the Emirates off the back of two consecutive home defeats