Arsenal Want To Sign This Atletico Madrid Prospect: Good Move? | OneFootball

Graeme Bailey on TBR Football has reported that Arsenal are looking at midfielders in the transfer market and have fixed their attention on Pablo Barrios in the upcoming summer transfer window. Their main target is Martin Zubimendi of Atletico Madrid, but if they fail to get him, then they will go for the Atletico Madrid prospect.

Barrios is one of the best young midfielders in La Liga. He has performed really well as he has gone through the Atletico Madrid ranks. Moreover, he was also part of the Spanish squad, which won the gold medal in the 2024 Olympics.

The Gunners are looking at him because they are not clear about the futures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho. Both of these midfielders have entered the final few months of their contract at the Emirates Stadium. As per reports, both of them are expected to leave the club for free in the summer, and this is the big reason why the Gunners are desperate for a new midfielder.

Barrios, the 21-year-old Atlético Madrid midfielder, displays remarkable qualities on the pitch. He excels as a versatile central midfielder, thriving in both defensive and attacking roles. His press resistance stands out, allowing him to retain possession under pressure, while his ball progression drives play forward with precision.

MADRID, SPAIN – FEBRUARY 01: Pablo Barrios of Atletico de Madrid battles for possession with Sergi Darder of RCD Mallorca during the La Liga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and RCD Mallorca at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on February 01, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Will he be a good pick?

Barrios combines excellent vision with crisp passing, often finding teammates between the lines. Additionally, his dribbling flair and composure elevate his roaming playmaker style. Defensively, he contributes with tenacity, winning duels and making timely tackles. Though his goal-scoring needs refinement, his intelligence and technical skills signal a bright future.

Barrios has assisted 2 goals in 19 matches so far in the La Liga 2024/2025 season. Looking into his passing aspect of the game, Barrios passes the ball roughly 57.00 times during a game with a pass completion rate of 87.30%. He also plays 1.03 key passes each game. Overall, Barrios Rivas’s xA (expected assists) output is 0.20 per 90 minutes. This stat puts him above 79 per cent of the players in the La Liga.

The first target of Arsenal will definitely be Zubimendi. However, if they fail to get the Real Sociedad midfielder, then Barrios is certainly one of the best options for the Gunners. It remains to be seen what happens finally in the summer transfer window.