William Gallas urges Arsenal to 'replace' £60m Mikel Arteta signing

Mikel Arteta during Arsenal’s win over West Ham (Picture: Getty)

William Gallas has urged Mikel Arteta to ‘replace’ £60m Arsenal signing Martin Zubimendi ahead of the summer transfer window.

Zubimendi enjoyed a bright start to his Arsenal career after moving to the Emirates Stadium last summer from La Liga side Real Sociedad .

Real Madrid were also in the running to sign the Spain Euros winner and were believed to be ‘gutted’ by his decision to join Arteta at Arsenal .

After a promising start to the season, Zubimendi’s form has largely deserted him during the run-in, so much so he has often found himself out of the team.

Gary Neville said Zubimendi has been ‘struggling for weeks’ after Arsenal’s win over Newcastle United last month and the Spaniard has only been used from the bench in the last three games.

Gallas believes Arsenal need a player to do the ‘dirty work’ alongside Declan Rice and fears Zubimendi is incapable of performing such a role.

‘Martin Odegaard needs someone behind him to do the dirty work, to run, be ready physically, to challenge, to win the ball and give him the ball,’ Gallas told BetVictor .

Arsenal signed Martin Zubimendi last summer (Picture: Getty)

‘Arsenal already have one player like this, and that’s Declan Rice. But I think they need another player like that in that position, and I don’t think Martin Zubimendi can do that.

‘Someone like Eduardo Camavinga at Real Madrid can do this job in midfield. He would be a good replacement and a great signing for Arsenal.’

While Zubimendi has suffered a dip in form, he may still end his first season at Arsenal by winning a Premier League and Champions League double.

Ex-Arsenal defender William Gallas (Picture: Getty)

The Gunners boast a two-point lead at the top of the table with two games remaining, the first against already-relegated Burnley on Monday night .

Arsenal then visit London rivals Crystal Palace on the final day before preparing for the Champions League final against holders PSG .

Even if Arsenal do become Premier League champions for the first time since 2004, Gallas cannot see his former club ‘dominating’ next season.

‘I don’t think Arsenal will dominate the Premier League or Champions League next season,’ he added.

‘PSG are able to dominate again because Ligue 1 is different to the Premier League, it’s not as physical or mentally demanding.

‘Arsenal haven’t dominated this season either, they let Manchester City back into the title race, and they lost to them twice in the league and in a cup final.

‘I think Mikel Arteta will stay for another season, regardless of what happens, and do is best to win possibly his second Premier League trophy next year.’