Unlocking Potential: What Martin Zubimendi Could Offer Arsenal from LaLiga

Signing on the Horizon

Arsenal is poised to finalize their first significant signing of the summer. They are set to acquire Real Sociedad and Spain midfielder Martín Zubimendi for a fee exceeding €60 million. According to The Athletic, Zubimendi is currently in London completing the necessary formalities, with Arsenal reportedly offering slightly above the €60 million release clause in his contract as part of an agreement with the LaLiga club. While the transfer fee is expected to be higher, Arsenal intends to make payments in installments rather than a single payment. The relationship between the two clubs remains strong following Arsenal’s acquisition of Mikel Merino last summer.

Mikel Arteta’s squad has already seen midfielder Jorginho depart for Flamengo, and Thomas Partey‘s contract is set to expire at the end of June, with ongoing negotiations for an extension. There’s an urgent need for midfield reinforcements, and Zubimendi arrives in the Premier League with a stellar reputation. The 26-year-old was close to joining Liverpool last summer but chose to remain at his boyhood club. Now, Arsenal has successfully attracted him to north London, where he could enhance Arteta’s tactical setup. Our expert team in Spain analyzes how Zubimendi will integrate into Arsenal’s system and the contributions he could make at the Emirates.

“He is arguably the best central midfielder in LaLiga,” asserts Transfermarkt Content Manager in Spain, Iván Fuente. This is a bold claim considering the abundance of talent in Spanish midfielders, including Pedri and Federico Valverde. “Zubimendi has the ability to control the pace of the game. He is comfortable receiving the ball under pressure while playing out from the back. His passing is highly accurate, and he excels at breaking through lines,” Fuente elaborated. This skill set is potentially invaluable for Arsenal, enabling players like Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice to operate higher up the pitch.

Regarding areas for improvement, Fuente noted, “His biggest weakness may be his height and strength.” However, these qualities are areas where Rice excels, suggesting that the two could complement one another effectively in Arsenal’s midfield. When asked about Zubimendi’s adaptability to both the Premier League and Arsenal’s style, Fuente affirmed, “Absolutely. He is exactly the type of player you want when emphasizing possession-based play. His precision in short passing is exceptional, allowing him to find teammates in advantageous positions while delivering the ball with the right weight. Zubimendi’s capability in one-on-one situations is also noteworthy; he is tenacious and unafraid to engage in tackles or follow his mark to regain possession.”

Having emerged from Real Sociedad’s academy, Zubimendi has amassed 236 appearances for the club, netting 10 goals and assisting nine times. He has also earned 19 caps for Spain, scoring two goals, the latest coming in the Nations League final defeat to Portugal. Currently valued at €60 million, Fuente believes his market value is set to rise following his transfer to a top-tier club: “Once he signs with a prestigious team, his value will increase significantly, making this signing a great deal for Arsenal.” Fuente further praised Zubimendi, likening him to Spanish legends: “He has the potential to be among the greats like Xabi Alonso, Sergio Busquets, and Rodri.

These are substantial expectations, but Zubimendi will certainly help address the Gunners’ aging midfield, especially at the No. 6 role. Arsenal is also expected to target a striker and a winger this summer, with Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Sesko among potential leading targets for the former, while Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is reportedly being considered for the latter. Although much of the buzz surrounding Arsenal’s summer activity has focused on forward acquisitions, Zubimendi could prove to be a crucial addition at the center of their midfield and is set to become the club’s second most expensive midfielder in history.