Arsenal believe they’ve secured the final piece of their midfield puzzle — and his name is Martin Zubimendi.
Widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world, the 26-year-old Spain international has officially joined the Gunners in a £60 million move from Real Sociedad, a transfer that had been in the works since January.
“He has a gifted mind,” says Spanish journalist Roberto Ramajo. “Zubimendi sees things on the pitch others can’t. He’s not a 10 in any one area — but he’s an eight in everything. And in the Premier League, he can develop into a 10 in everything.”
Nicknamed “El cerebro del futuro” — the brain of the future — Zubimendi brings vision, intelligence, and defensive stability to Arsenal’s evolving midfield, likely slotting into a trio with Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.
The Type of Player Arsenal Are Getting
Zubimendi is not known for his goal-scoring prowess — with just 10 goals in 236 appearances for Real Sociedad — because his true value lies in his role as a midfield pivot. Last season, he typically operated as the lone defensive midfielder in a 4-1-4-1 setup.
In La Liga 2024–25, he ranked in the top five among central midfielders for:
✅ Successful passes
✅ Long passes
✅ Progressive passes
✅ Tackles
✅ Interceptions
✅ Aerial duels won
✅ Total touches
✅ Distance of completed upfield passes (8.5 km)
“He’s not flashy, but he’s complete,” Ramajo explains. “Tactically, he’s nearly flawless. He understands space, reads the game exceptionally well, and supports his teammates with precision.”
Zubimendi’s Role in Spain’s Euro-Winning Squad
Zubimendi has 19 international caps and was a key part of Spain’s Euro 2024-winning squad. When star midfielder Rodri was injured during the final against England, many expected Spain to struggle. Instead, Zubimendi stepped in seamlessly, helping guide his side to a 2-1 victory.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente later called him the second-best defensive midfielder in the world, just behind Rodri — who went on to win the Ballon d’Or.
“Rodri may have peaked,” Ramajo said, “but Zubimendi still has room to grow. He’s walking a similar path — from La Liga to the Premier League — with even greater potential.”
In the 2025 Nations League, he ranked:
- 5th for total passes
- 2nd for interceptions
- 7th for tackles
He also scored twice during the tournament, showing he can contribute in attack when needed.
How He Fits Into Arteta’s Arsenal
Zubimendi’s arrival is timely. With Thomas Partey’s contract expired and the midfielder facing serious legal charges (which he denies), Arsenal needed a reliable and versatile replacement.
Though Jorginho started nine games last season before leaving for Flamengo, Arsenal’s midfield now looks set to be anchored by Zubimendi — with Christian Nørgaard also set to arrive from Brentford to offer depth.
Interestingly, Zubimendi was heavily linked with Real Madrid, where Xabi Alonso — another product of Antiguoko, Real Sociedad, and Spain — is now manager. But Zubimendi had his sights set on North London.
“He’s always dreamed of playing in the Premier League,” Ramajo added. “If he was going to leave the club of his life, it had to be for something equally meaningful — and Arsenal is that.”
In comparison to Partey:
- 56% of Zubimendi’s touches last season were in his own half (vs Partey’s 48%)
- 27% of his passes ended in the final third (vs Partey’s 32%)
This suggests a slightly deeper-lying role, more focused on build-up and recovery.
“Zubimendi breaks pressure lines with smart inside passes,” says Ramajo. “He’s courageous in possession, improves those around him, and thrives with quality teammates — all things that will benefit him in Arteta’s system.”
The Bigger Picture for Arsenal
Zubimendi’s signing is another signal of Arsenal’s intent to compete on all fronts, building a midfield capable of dictating games in both the Premier League and Champions League. With talk of a new striker also on the radar, this could be one of the Gunners’ most decisive transfer windows in years.
“He’s not just ready for the Premier League,” Ramajo concludes. “He’s ready to be one of Europe’s most influential midfielders.”
