Martin Zubimendi, the highly-rated midfielder who recently joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad, is set to make his debut for the Gunners nearly a year after initial talks began between the two clubs. The 26-year-old, recognized as one of Europe’s top defensive midfielders, is eager to embark on this new venture with Arsenal after a convoluted transfer process that saw him being heavily linked to the club last year.
Zubimendi made his first appearance in an Arsenal jersey during a closed-door friendly against Watford this past Saturday, which served as a warm-up for his highly anticipated public debut. Fans are eager to see him in action when Arsenal takes on AC Milan in Singapore. This match is set to be a significant moment for both the player and the club, highlighting the culmination of a deal worth nearly £60 million that marks a new chapter in Zubimendi’s career.
His move comes on the back of an impressive international run, having played a pivotal role in Spain’s victory over England in the Euro 2024 Final. Interestingly, during last summer’s transfer window, Zubimendi declined an offer from Liverpool, preferring to stay with Real Sociedad, where he felt he still had much to learn and experience. This decision showcased his commitment to development, which he now believes was the right choice.
The managerial acumen of Mikel Arteta has also played a crucial role in Zubimendi’s transfer. The Arsenal coach detailed the well-structured plan that the club devised to ensure they secured Zubimendi alongside another signing, Mikel Merino. The success of this strategy was aided by Real Sociedad’s understanding and cooperation, which led to all parties being satisfied with the outcome of the transfers.
Arteta has expressed his excitement about Zubimendi’s potential role at the club, indicating he views him as a key player in Arsenal’s midfield. When questioned about whether Zubimendi would take on a deeper role or operate further up the field as a number eight, Arteta confidently stated he is primarily viewed as a “six,” emphasizing his specific technical skills. The manager commended Zubimendi’s ability to assimilate information and adapt on the field, noting the positive influence he has exhibited since his arrival.
Zubimendi himself has reflected on the challenges he faced during the past year, when speculation surrounding his transfer intensified. He shared that contemplating a move away from Real Sociedad was not an easy decision, necessitating careful consideration of his future trajectory. After discussing his aspirations with Arteta, Zubimendi felt reassured and excited about the Arsenal project and the prospect of working under a coach he holds in high regard.
While his transition to Arsenal includes a reunion with compatriot Merino, the two players have focused on their own careers rather than their shared paths at this stage. Merino acknowledged the competitive nature of the squad and the abundant talent within it, emphasizing that this should galvanize the team towards achieving greater success, particularly after a previous season that promised more but ultimately fell short.
Looking ahead, Zubimendi has ambitions for contributing substantially both in terms of balance and ball distribution from his midfield role. He acknowledged the need for continuous learning under Arteta and expressed openness to undertaking new responsibilities that may differ from what he was accustomed to in Spain. His aspiration is not only to add depth but also to elevate the performance of the team throughout what is expected to be a demanding season.
As Arsenal gears up to reclaim glory following several near-misses in recent campaigns, Zubimendi’s arrival is perceived as a signal of the club’s intent to build a formidable squad capable of challenging for honors across multiple fronts. The expectations for his integration into the team are high, particularly given Arsenal’s ambitions in both domestic and European competitions. The upcoming match against AC Milan could very well serve as a testament to Zubimendi’s readiness to embrace his new journey with Arsenal.
