Arsenal have officially secured the signing of Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for a reported £51 million, and while fans were mostly clamoring for a striker, Mikel Arteta’s decision to prioritize the midfield might prove to be a masterstroke.
Zubimendi’s arrival gives Arsenal something they’ve lacked since Thomas Partey’s decline and Jorginho’s exit: a true defensive midfielder who can hold the fort alone. But more than that, he might just be the key to unlocking the full potential of Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.
The modern number six Arsenal needed:
Zubimendi isn’t flashy. He won’t wow fans with st:epovers or screamers from 30 yards. But what he offers is stability, control, and structure. Think Rodri lite, not identical, but cut from the same cloth. In fact, Zubimendi was one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe, with clubs like Liverpool circling before Arsenal finally convinced him to leave his boyhood club.
He’s tactically disciplined, technically reliable, and has the positional awareness to anchor the midfield without constant protection. For a side like Arsenal, that could mean no more fullbacks cutting inside awkwardly or creative midfielders dropping too deep. It allows others, particularly Rice and Ødegaard, to stay where they hurt opponents most.
The numbers back him up:
Zubimendi’s stats from last season with Real Sociedad show just how effective he is in a deeper role. He was involved in over 1,280 open-play passing sequences, more than any of his teammates and the third highest among all central and defensive midfielders in La Liga. He’s not just receiving the ball, he’s initiating play too — ranking fifth in sequences he started himself.
While Real Sociedad aren’t a possession-obsessed team, Zubimendi consistently stood out for his influence on the ball. His passes are short and deliberate, averaging 11.7 meters per open-play reception, making him a reliable outlet. He received nearly 400 passes from centre-backs last season, showing the level of trust his teammates place in him.
Defensively, he’s not a traditional destroyer, but he reads the game well. He averaged 1.3 interceptions per 90 minutes in a team that often had more of the ball than the opposition, and his solid record in duels proves he can hold his own physically.
More importantly, he brings balance. Arsenal were often forced to sacrifice attacking structure just to build from the back safely. Zubimendi changes that. With him anchoring the midfield, Rice can press higher, Ødegaard can focus more on playmaking, and the entire system becomes more fluid.
Unlocking Arsenal’s potential:
In 2024-25, Arsenal averaged over 20 passes in the opponent’s half before taking a shot, the fourth most in the Premier League. Their xG per shot from open play was a modest 0.11, ranked only ninth in the league. These stats point to an issue of attacking efficiency, not just personnel.
Ødegaard’s dip in final-third influence last season was partly down to being dragged deeper. Zubimendi’s presence could free him up again, restoring that sharp edge to Arsenal’s build-up. He’s used to being the sole pivot in both club and national team setups, often working behind three more attacking midfielders. That same structure mirrors what Arteta wants at Arsenal.
He also brings the right mentality. Known for his humility and team-first approach, Zubimendi has been praised by former coaches and teammates for his intelligence and selflessness. His style may be understated, but his effect is undeniable.
Line-breaking ability, composure under pressure, tactical discipline, and strong defensive instincts make him a complete modern six. He doesn’t just recycle possession, he progresses it. His 238 line-breaking passes last season were only bettered by three midfielders in La Liga, all of whom played for Real Madrid.
What lies ahead:
Zubimendi will still need to adjust to the pace and physicality of the Premier League, but he arrives with the tools to succeed. Arsenal didn’t buy a star for the headlines — they bought a foundation.
And in a league where small margins make big differences, Zubimendi might just be the quiet revolution that frees up Arsenal’s most important players to shine.
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