Arsenal fans, buckle up—because the Gunners may have just pulled off the most transformative signing of the summer. Real Sociedad’s midfield maestro Martin Zubimendi, fresh from lifting the Euro 2024 trophy with Spain, is reportedly set to join Arsenal for £51 million. This isn’t just another transfer—it’s a calculated power move by Mikel Arteta to dominate the Premier League’s midfield wars.
Despite interest from Liverpool last year—and even late whispers of a swoop from Xabi Alonso’s Real Madrid—Zubimendi had his sights firmly set on north London. Arsenal, in desperate search of their “final midfield puzzle piece,” are now poised to add one of the world’s most intelligent defensive midfielders to their ranks. He’ll likely replace Thomas Partey, whose contract is winding down, and partner the industrious Declan Rice and talismanic captain Martin Ødegaard in a potentially title-winning trio.
The numbers don’t lie. In La Liga’s 2024-25 campaign, Zubimendi ranked among the elite midfielders in virtually every key metric: successful passes, long balls, progressive movements, tackles, interceptions, and even aerial duels. His average of 8.5km in completed upfield passes is a testament to both his stamina and playmaking vision.
According to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague, “His passing might sound simple, but he generally chooses well the one pass to do. He hardly ever loses the ball and that helps with fluidity and team confidence. He reads the game very well, without being the fastest midfielder—he has the puzzle of the team in his head.”
And it’s not just about staying deep. “He is lately more up to driving with the ball and even getting into the box,” Balague continued. “But his main job is to help with build-up, sometimes going at the level of the centre-backs… A team player, a quiet leader. A key cog in the machine.”
Zubimendi’s stock skyrocketed during Euro 2024. When Rodri, the Ballon d’Or-winning anchor of Spain’s midfield, limped off during the final against England, many thought it would be the Three Lions’ golden opportunity. Instead, Zubimendi stepped in and held the fort with composure beyond belief, helping Spain to a 2-1 win.
“I remember the reaction in the England camp when Rodri got injured,” Balague recalled. “I thought, ‘Hold on, it is Zubimendi coming on!’ Spain have got two very good players in that position.” Even Thierry Henry debated Balague’s assessment of Zubimendi as top three in the world—eventually compromising to place him within the top five.
In the 2024-25 Nations League, he didn’t just play safe—he impressed, scoring against Denmark and again in the final versus Portugal. He ranked fifth in successful passes, second in interceptions, and seventh in tackles in the knockout rounds. It’s no surprise the Spaniard is being trusted with Arsenal’s midfield.
While Thomas Partey often drifted rightward or even deputized as a right-back last season, Zubimendi is a more balanced presence, equally capable of covering the left and dictating tempo. His 56% of touches in his own half—compared to Partey’s 48%—reflects a more defensively oriented approach. That could grant Rice more freedom to press higher, especially since only 27% of Zubimendi’s passes reached the final third—suggesting he prefers to be the launchpad rather than the finisher.
Beyond Partey, Arsenal’s other option Jorginho has now exited the club, clearing space for Zubimendi to slot straight into the starting XI.
And this could be just the beginning. Rumors continue to swirl about a marquee striker being on Arteta’s radar. If that materializes, Arsenal’s midfield will need even more cohesion and defensive discipline—something Zubimendi brings in spades.
With one foot already in London and the Emirates crowd hungry for silverware, this Spanish maestro might just be the catalyst Arsenal have been missing. One thing’s for sure: if Zubimendi adapts as expected, the Premier League’s balance of power could be in for a seismic shift.
