Arsenal are set to secure the signature of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, with reports suggesting a £50.5 million deal is virtually complete. This acquisition addresses several key needs in Mikel Arteta’s squad and could prove instrumental in Arsenal’s quest for silverware. The 25-year-old brings significant tactical advantages that could elevate the Gunners’ performances both domestically and in Europe.
Even though fans have been yearning for a new striker, Arteta decided to strengthen both the midfield and the defence. And with Zubimendi, he is able to do both, as the Spanish international is a prolific defensive midfielder who has a lot to bring to the table.
A Long-Awaited Midfield Solution
Arsenal have been searching for stability in midfield for several seasons. With both Jorginho and Thomas Partey’s contracts winding down, securing Zubimendi represents smart forward planning by the club’s hierarchy. The Spaniard has been on Arteta’s radar for over 12 months, highlighting the manager’s strategic vision for the team’s development.
The pursuit of Zubimendi gained momentum during negotiations for Mikel Merino, showing Arsenal’s determination to strengthen their central options. At £50.5 million (€60 million), the investment demonstrates the club’s ambition to compete at the highest level.
Technical Excellence in Possession
Zubimendi’s technical profile makes him an ideal fit for Arsenal’s possession-based approach. His passing accuracy sits in the 95th percentile among midfielders, while his turnover rate remains notably low. These attributes align perfectly with Arsenal’s need for controlled build-up play from deep positions.
The Spanish international typically makes around 53 passes per match with an impressive completion rate of 84.11%. This reliability in possession could prove vital during high-pressure situations, particularly in tight Premier League encounters and European fixtures.
What makes Zubimendi particularly valuable is his defensive capability alongside his distribution skills. His tackle success rate of 73% against dribbles is well above average for his position. This defensive acumen could provide crucial protection for Arsenal’s backline.
Zubimendi’s positioning often sees him drift toward the right side defensively, potentially forming an effective partnership with existing midfield options who typically cover the left areas. This natural balance could create a more cohesive unit across the middle of the park.
Championship Pedigree
Having featured prominently for Spain during their Euro 2024 triumph, including 45 crucial minutes in the final following Rodri’s injury, Zubimendi brings a winning mentality to North London. This experience at the highest level of international football should translate well to the pressures of challenging for major trophies with Arsenal.
His 34 La Liga appearances for Real Sociedad this season, combined with regular starts for Spain in recent international fixtures, demonstrate both his consistency and reliability – qualities that Arsenal have sometimes lacked in midfield.
Midfield Reinforcement vs Attacking Firepower
The decision to prioritise Martin Zubimendi over a marquee striker reflects Mikel Arteta’s calculated approach to squad building. While Arsenal’s reliance on Kai Havertz as a false nine has drawn criticism, the midfield’s structural vulnerabilities posed a more immediate risk to their title ambitions.
The departure of Thomas Partey and Jorginho’s advancing age left Declan Rice overburdened in a double-pivot system. Limiting Arsenal’s ability to control games against high-pressing opponents. Zubimendi’s arrival directly addresses this imbalance. Providing a specialist anchor capable of recycling possession under pressure – a weakness exploited in key fixtures last season.
That said, the striker debate remains pertinent. Viktor Gyökeres, with 38 league goals for Sporting CP this term, epitomises the clinical finisher Arsenal lack. His £240,000-a-week wage demands and €100 million release clause present financial hurdles, but his non-penalty xG of 0.84 per 90 minutes highlights elite positioning. Alternatives like Benjamin Sesko offer long-term upside, while Jonathan David’s impending free-agent status provides cost-effective depth.
