Arsenal are on the verge of completing the long-anticipated signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, in what could be the final and most crucial piece of Mikel Arteta’s midfield rebuild. The Gunners have agreed to meet the £51 million release clause for the Spanish international, who has been a long-term target and is seen as the ideal player to solidify the base of the midfield three alongside Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.
Zubimendi, 26, has been one of La Liga’s most consistent performers in recent seasons, earning a reputation as a top-tier holding midfielder. His arrival is expected to spell the end of Thomas Partey’s Arsenal tenure, with the Ghanaian midfielder’s contract expiring next summer and injury concerns limiting his long-term reliability. Arteta has long admired Zubimendi’s composure, tactical intelligence and defensive awareness — all vital for the deep-lying role in Arsenal’s high-possession system.
What Kind of Player Are Arsenal Getting?
Zubimendi has been described as a “quiet leader” and a “key cog in the machine” by Spanish football pundit Guillem Balague. The midfielder made 236 appearances for Real Sociedad, scoring 10 goals — but it’s his influence deeper on the pitch that has drawn comparisons to elite players like Sergio Busquets and even his compatriot Rodri. Operating primarily as a lone pivot in a 4-1-4-1, he brings a calm authority to the build-up phase and excels in reading the game.
Despite not being the fastest, Zubimendi ranks in the top five among La Liga midfielders for successful passes, long passes, progressive passes, tackles, interceptions, aerial duels won, and upfield passing distance. His style is subtle but effective — rarely flashy but consistently impactful. Balague notes: “He hardly ever loses the ball and that helps with fluidity and team confidence… He makes the game flow.”
With Arsenal aiming to challenge Manchester City once again for the Premier League title, adding a midfielder with such discipline and decision-making could prove decisive in the toughest fixtures.
Spain’s Midfield Successor to Rodri?
Zubimendi has been quietly staking a claim to become Rodri’s long-term successor in Spain’s midfield. Although Rodri’s status as the best defensive midfielder in the world remains unquestioned — especially after his Ballon d’Or-winning campaign — Zubimendi stepped up superbly in his absence during the Euro 2024 final, helping Spain to a 2-1 victory over England.
His impressive national team form continued into the 2025 Nations League, where he scored twice and ranked among the top players for interceptions and passes. With 19 caps to his name, Zubimendi’s international experience gives Arsenal a player who’s already performing on the highest stage.
Interestingly, his development has mirrored that of Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso — both Basques, both graduates of Antiguoko, and both former Sociedad midfield anchors. Despite speculation that Alonso might tempt him to the Santiago Bernabéu, Zubimendi has reportedly been convinced by Arteta’s long-term project and the role he will play at Arsenal.
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Arsenal Set to Trigger £51m Clause for Zubimendi in Midfield Shake-Up
Zubimendi is expected to directly replace Thomas Partey at the base of Arsenal’s midfield, and stylistically, the change could bring more defensive control and better positional balance. Partey played 35 Premier League games last season, often drifting to the right or covering at full-back. Zubimendi, by contrast, stays more centrally and leans slightly to the left — the side Declan Rice often vacates when pushing forward.
Statistically, Zubimendi had 56% of his touches in his own half last season, compared to Partey’s 48%. His passing was also more conservative, with just 27% ending in the final third (Partey: 32%). This suggests a player more focused on shielding the backline and progressing play with calculated precision.
The Basque’s inclusion could free Rice to operate further upfield more consistently — his preferred zone — giving Ødegaard greater freedom to focus on creativity without being pulled back to defend transitions. It’s a dynamic that fits Arteta’s tactical blueprint for dominating territory and controlling games.
What Comes Next for Arsenal?
While Zubimendi’s arrival is a major coup, Arsenal’s summer business may not be finished. With a striker still on the agenda and question marks around other squad positions, Arteta is keen to ensure his team are not only deep but dynamic. Zubimendi’s adaptability and understanding of positional play provide the sort of tactical flexibility that can accommodate other changes in formation and personnel.
The move also continues a trend of Arsenal targeting players in their prime (ages 24–27), building a spine capable of competing at the top level for multiple seasons. With Kai Havertz, Ødegaard, Rice, and now Zubimendi, Arsenal’s midfield could become one of the most balanced and technically secure units in Europe.
For a team that finished just two points behind Manchester City last season, the addition of one of the world’s best defensive midfielders might be exactly what’s needed to go one step further.
