Arsenal close in on Zubimendi transfer as Arteta nears long-desired signing

Arsenal are kicking off the summer transfer window with a major move. According to The Athletic, the club have reached an agreement with Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi for a fee of €60 million. The 26-year-old defensive midfielder travelled to London to meet with club staff ahead of his medical. The official signing is expected to take place shortly.

Zubimendi embodies the profile of the “silent leader” sought after in modern football. A product of Real Sociedad’s youth academy, he has stood out in recent years with his consistency both at club level and with the Spanish national team. Although Real Sociedad’s overall performance dipped this season in La Liga, Zubimendi remained individually strong and continued to attract interest from top European clubs.

At this point, it’s worth evaluating Zubimendi’s performance during the 2024–25 season in detail:

Zubimendi’s 2024–25 campaign

Zubimendi featured in 48 matches for Real Sociedad across all competitions during the 2024–25 season, contributing 2 goals and 2 assists. While not a headline-grabbing stat line, his consistency and tactical discipline were vital to the team’s structure.

Game intelligence and positioning

One of Zubimendi’s most defining traits is his intelligence without the ball. He positions himself effectively to shield the backline and limit space between the lines. His awareness in transition ensures defensive integrity even when the team is unsettled.

Rather than diving into challenges, Zubimendi anticipates danger and reacts early. He tracks runners well and excels in maintaining compactness during defensive transitions.

Passing quality and build-up control

Stylistically, Zubimendi resembles a traditional “regista.” His short and mid-range passing exceeds 90% accuracy, and he reliably initiates build-up play from deep. He remains composed under pressure and links play through tight areas with minimal touches.

He is also adept at switching the play with accurate diagonal passes, and his first-touch distribution aids in bypassing opposition pressure during transitions.

Zubimendi offers strategic calm as Arsenal’s keystone—composure in a dynamic system.

Defensive skill set

Zubimendi defends with calm precision rather than aggression. He prefers to intercept passes and read the game rather than slide into tackles. His ability to recover the ball without destabilising the shape makes him a tactical asset in structured systems.

Though not physically imposing, he uses intelligent body positioning to win duels. His contribution rarely makes headlines but is key to controlling tempo.

Physical profile and movement

Standing at 1.81m, Zubimendi isn’t the most powerful midfielder, but he compensates with stamina and short-distance acceleration. He maintains a consistent intensity over 90 minutes and stays tactically engaged in all phases.

He doesn’t offer much in terms of ball-carrying or dribbling but instead orchestrates play through precise distribution. His role is defined by balance, not flash.

Limitations

Creativity in the final third is limited. He rarely attempts risky vertical passes and has a minimal goal threat. His shot volume is low, and he seldom pushes into attacking zones. These limitations make him better suited to systems that emphasise positional discipline over improvisation.

Key 2024–25 metrics (via FBref)

• Passing accuracy: 91.2%

• Tackles per game: 2.3

• Interceptions per game: 1.9

• Progressive passes per game: 5.8

• Ball recoveries after defensive actions: High

Zubimendi’s transfer is directly linked to Arsenal’s midfield restructuring plans. Jorginho recently left the club to join Flamengo. Thomas Partey’s future remains uncertain. According to ESPN, contract talks with Partey have reached a deadlock, and the Ghanaian midfielder is expected to become a free agent as of 30 June.

Zubimendi is seen as a player whose style and role are well-suited to this transformation.

However, Arsenal’s plans don’t stop there. Following this major move in midfield, the club is shifting its focus directly to the forward line. Inconsistencies in front of goal over the past two seasons have made the attacking area a top priority for the coaching staff. According to ESPN, Arsenal are making concrete efforts this summer for both Benjamin Šeško and Viktor Gyökeres:

• New talks are being planned with RB Leipzig for Benjamin Šeško. The player is seen as a good fit for Arsenal’s long-term squad vision.

• Meanwhile, communication with Sporting CP continues regarding Viktor Gyökeres. ESPN reports that Arsenal have established direct contact with the player’s representatives.

These transfer moves show that Arsenal are not only addressing current squad needs but are also aiming to maintain long-term competitiveness and sustainably strengthen their squad structure. After consistently contending at the top of the Premier League over the last two seasons, the club is approaching the 2025 summer transfer window with a balanced, strategic, and performance-driven outlook—both technically and financially.