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Five defensive midfielders. Premier League clubs compete to sign

The best defensive midfielders in the world can be the glue that holds their teams together, ball-winning machines who reclaim and recycle the ball to amazing effect.

Several top teams are looking to add steel or silk to their midfields this summer, and we've identified five defensive midfielders that Premier League clubs are vying for.

Manuel Ugarte

Paris Saint-Germain is ready to cash in on Manuel Ugarte this summer, barely a year after signing the midfielder from Sporting Lisbon. His availability has piqued the interest of English clubs, with Manchester United reportedly leading the pack for his services.

Ugarte is an old-fashioned anchor with toughness in the tackle, and the Uruguayan has a strong track record of retrieving possession. Last season, he led Ligue 1 in tackles per game (4.56) and was in the top five percent of French midfielders for pass completion (91.2%) and interceptions per 90 minutes.

🚨🔴 Manuel #Ugarte is a genuine transfer target for Manchester United currently!

Talks have taken place, as the 23-year-old can leave this summer. #MUFC want to improve their center midfield!

📍There are speculations concerning Ugarte and FC Bayern, although he is currently not of interest to Bayern.


His return followed a similar season with Sporting in 2022-23, when Ugarte led the Primeira Liga in tackles won, dribblers tackled, and pass completion. Ugarte's attacking threat is minor, but his off-ball figures are impressive. He is still only 23 years old and might be a long-term answer to midfield gaps. 

Martin Zubimendi

Arsenal are one of the clubs attempting to persuade Martin Zubimendi to quit Real Sociedad, with Mikel Arteta a big fan of his compatriot. Zubimendi has brought poise and class to Sociedad since joining the club, combining hard work, tidiness, and possession technique.

Zubimendi, 25, may believe it is time to leave San Sebastien in order to establish himself as a regular in the Spain squad and play in the Champions League's later stages. Arsenal and Barcelona are both willing to activate his €60 million (£50.8 million) release clause.


Ederson

Several names stole the spotlight during Atalanta's Europa League triumph, with Ederson emerging as an underappreciated member of Gian Piero Gasperini's outstanding squad.

In 2023-24, the Brazilian rated 94th among Serie A midfielders in terms of progressive passes per game, as well as in terms of tackles (88th), interceptions (88th), and blocks (87th) per 90 minutes.

Ederson is all-action and effective, offering diligent defensive effort as well as a goal threat; he scored six goals in 36 league games last season. The 24-year-old has a knack for being in the correct place, whether it's to reclaim possession or create space to go on the ball.

🚨 Éderson on Liverpool: "I'm happy at Atalanta, my focus is on Brazil now" .
 
"I like Italy but I'm also curious about the Premier League" .

"The only possibility to leave is if Atalanta receive a proposal and then… they decide, it's up to Atalanta" , @diarioas tweeted.
 

An asking price of roughly €35 million (£29.6 million) appears reasonable for a player who has gotten into the Brazil squad. 

Joshua Kimmich

Joshua Kimmich's future remains uncertain, as the German enters the final season of his contract with Bayern Munich. According to sources, an extension of his contract is doubtful, piqueing the curiosity of prominent European clubs.

The 29-year-old has eight Bundesliga titles to his name, as well as the 2019-20 Champions League crown.

Last season, he ranked 97th among Bundesliga midfielders in attempted passes and progressive passes per game, and 94th in shot-creating actions. Kimmich's combination of combative edge and creativity, as well as his ability to play at full-back when needed, make him a potentially game-changing signing this summer.

Kimmich on his future with Bayern: "It's not just up to me. What does the club want? I believe conversations will take held at some point. My situation isn't uncertain. My contract still has a year to run. We now have the European Championship ahead of us. The tournament takes precedence over all else. The last several tournaments haven't gone well, and we want to change that. FC Bayern remains my initial point of contact. 


Youssouf Fofana

Youssouf Fofana is another player whose contract situation appears to point to a move this summer. AS Monaco are willing to sell to avoid a free transfer exit next summer, and clubs are vying for his talents.

The 25-year-old is a box-to-box influence with quickness and forward-thinking distribution, finishing fourth in Ligue 1 last season for through balls and second in progressive passes.

"I've discussed it with the hierarchy; it isn't a secret," the France international recently remarked of his desire for a fresh challenge.

"We had conversations, and they agreed to accompany me on my new journey. If [the transfer] does not happen, I still have a year left and will be content to stay. We agreed that we would support each other during this process, in which everyone should win, whether it was myself or the club.
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