Arsenal’s summer transfer strategy has taken a dramatic turn, with the North London club making decisive moves to secure the signature of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. As Real Madrid turn their attentions to Liverpool’s top talents, Arsenal are now leading the race to land the highly-touted Spanish midfielder, a signing that would reshape Mikel Arteta’s midfield for the 2025/26 campaign.
Arsenal’s confidence grows amid Real Madrid’s changing priorities
Martin Zubimendi has been the subject of intense speculation for most of the past year, with Europe’s elite clubs vying for his signature. Many betting houses even offered a bonus code to bet on the outcome of this saga. Liverpool came close to signing him last summer, only for the deal to fall through at the eleventh hour. Real Madrid, too, have tracked the 26-year-old as they look to strengthen their Spanish core, but recent events have seen their focus shift to Liverpool duo Alexis Mac Allister and Trent Alexander-Arnold, who are both viewed as flagship targets for the Spanish giants.
Their diverted attention has given Arsenal an opening, with the Gunners quietly and patiently constructing a deal for Zubimendi since January. Multiple sources report that Arsenal are now “expecting” to bring Zubimendi in as their first summer signing, with club officials prepared to trigger his £52 million release clause. The Gunners are so optimistic that they are already planning their summer business around his arrival, a sign of how advanced negotiations are.
Why Zubimendi fits Arsenal’s midfield blueprint
Zubimendi’s reputation as one of La Liga’s most intelligent and composed defensive midfielders is well-earned. A product of Real Sociedad’s youth system, he has amassed over 170 league appearances and established himself as a regular for the Spanish national team, even featuring prominently in Spain’s victorious UEFA Euro 2024 campaign. His style of play draws frequent comparisons to Sergio Busquets, blending positional discipline with exceptional passing range and tactical awareness.
The most crucial traits that make Zubimendi an ideal match for Arsenal include:
- Composure under pressure: Zubimendi is brilliant at receiving the ball with his back to play, and he rarely loses the ball even when under severe pressing.
- Defensive intelligence: Rather than relying on tackles, he is keen on shutting off passing channels and controlling space, which allows his team to maintain shape and regain possession efficiently.
- Ball progression: He acts as a metronome, keeping play flowing with quick, precise passes and initiating attacks from deep positions.
- Versatility: Comfortable as the lone pivot or in a double pivot, Zubimendi’s presence would allow Declan Rice to play a more advanced box-to-box role, maximizing Arsenal’s midfield dynamism.
Arsenal’s midfield evolution: What changes?
With both Thomas Partey and Jorginho likely to leave at the end of the season, Arsenal’s need for a top-class holding midfielder has become pressing. Signing Zubimendi would not only plug this hole but also enhance the team’s capability to dominate matches against elite opponents.
One possible situation would be Zubimendi holding fort in midfield, with Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard on either side. This would:
Enhance defensive solidity, with Zubimendi’s positioning allowing full-backs to push higher.
Improve ball circulation, as his quick distribution can break opposition lines and launch counterattacks.
Offer greater flexibility, enabling Arteta to switch between a 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 depending on the opponent.
The transfer domino effect
Arsenal’s pursuit of Zubimendi is part of a broader summer strategy. While midfield is the main focus, a new striker—Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Sesko are two of those under discussion—is also on the list, as are defensive reinforcements, with talks ongoing for AS Roma’s Evan Ndicka. The likely departures of senior players will free up wages and perhaps pay for them.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid’s shift in focus towards Liverpool’s stars, namely Alexander-Arnold and Mac Allister, is evidence of their bid to overhaul their squad with tried and tested Premier League players. This has inadvertently enhanced Arsenal’s prospects in the Zubimendi pursuit, reducing the competition for his signature.
For supporters, Arsenal’s hierarchy’s imminent signing of Zubimendi is a definite statement of intent to capitalize on recent momentum and challenge for the highest honours. His technical quality, tactical intelligence, and experience of high-pressure matches make him a natural fit for Arteta’s evolving side.