In a significant development for Arsenal fans, the club is set to bolster its midfield with the signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. After a disappointing end to their season, which saw them eliminated by PSG in the Champions League and missing out on the Premier League title to Liverpool, the Gunners are eager to make impactful changes this summer.
New sporting director Andrea Berta has been proactive in addressing the team's needs, and Zubimendi has long been on Mikel Arteta’s radar. The Spain international, who has been a highly sought-after midfielder in Europe, rejected a move to Liverpool last summer, making his eventual agreement with Arsenal even more significant.
On Saturday, May 10, 2025, renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Arsenal have reached an agreement to sign Zubimendi, stating, "Arsenal agree deal to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, here we go! Zubimendi has now verbally agreed to sign a long-term deal… so formal steps must follow soon with Arsenal to trigger €60m clause. Zubi, ready to become the first signing of the new season." This news has sent waves of excitement through the Arsenal fanbase, eager for fresh talent.
As Arsenal looks to rebuild its midfield, the need for a player like Zubimendi has become increasingly apparent. With aging players such as Jorginho and Thomas Partey, who is on the wrong side of 30, the Gunners require reinforcements who are in their prime. Jorginho has already agreed to a move to Flamengo, leaving a gap that Zubimendi is expected to fill effectively.
In the 2024/25 La Liga season, Zubimendi made 32 appearances, scoring two goals and providing one assist. His statistics reflect a solid defensive presence, averaging 2.34 tackles per 90 minutes and 1.30 interceptions. His pass accuracy stands at an impressive 83.2%, with 5.92 progressive passes per 90 minutes, indicating his ability to contribute to the team’s attacking play while maintaining defensive responsibilities.
However, questions remain about whether Zubimendi can adapt to a more possession-based style at Arsenal. While he excels defensively, there are concerns over his ability to dictate the tempo and create opportunities in the final third. As Arsenal prepares for the new season, fans will be watching closely to see how Zubimendi integrates into the squad and whether he can elevate his game to meet the demands of the Premier League.
With the transfer window approaching, Arsenal's focus on securing Zubimendi as their first signing under Berta signals a clear intent to enhance their midfield options. The Gunners will be looking for a more balanced squad, with players who can support the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in the middle of the park.
As Arsenal gears up for pre-season, the excitement surrounding Zubimendi’s arrival could mark a turning point for the club. Fans are hopeful that with the right signings, Arsenal can reclaim their status as title contenders in the Premier League and make a deeper run in the Champions League next season.
With Zubimendi’s signing, Arsenal is not just filling a gap but potentially laying the groundwork for a more competitive future. The club's ability to attract top talent like Zubimendi highlights their ambition to return to the top of English football, and the upcoming season promises to be an intriguing one for the Gunners.
As the summer transfer window unfolds, all eyes will be on Arsenal as they continue to reshape their squad. Will Zubimendi be the catalyst for change that the club desperately needs? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: the Gunners are ready to make their mark.
