How Arsenal beat Real Madrid to sign Martin Zubimendi and why he can be Mikel Arteta's game-changer | OneFootball

World-class midfielder could take Gunners to the next level

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Compared to Xabi Alonso and nicknamed the ‘Gen-Z Sergio Busquets’, there has been no shortage of praise for Martin Zubimendi during his rise to becoming one of the best midfielders in Europe.

Such praise underlines why Arsenal have invested more than £50million to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. With Jorginho and Thomas Partey departing, the club are overhauling the base of their midfield and they first started looking for a world-class No6 a year ago.

Arteta says Zubimendi will bring ‘a huge amount of quality and football intelligence’ to Arsenal

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Zubimendi was identified as their top target and Arsenal actually approached Real Sociedad about a deal last summer - but the Spanish side did not want to lose him and Mikel Merino at the same time.

Arsenal duly suggested a solution of signing Zubimendi a year later and the groundwork began on a deal.

The transfer was agreed in full, barring the final paperwork, in March, which turned out to be crucial as Real Madrid tried to swoop for the player this summer after appointing Alonso as their new manager.

Alonso has a close bond with Zubimendi. He is one of Zubimendi’s idols and coached him as he was coming through Real Sociedad’s academy.

But Mikel Arteta and Zubimendi struck up a bond quickly after Arsenal registered their interest last year and that has been key to getting a deal over the line.

The connection between manager and player extends back to their roots - both came through the youth ranks at Antiguoko, the same Basque academy where Alonso also first learned the game.

It was always going to be difficult for Zubimendi to leave his boyhood club, but Arteta convinced him to make the move to north London.

Zubimendi has signed a five-year contract at Emirates Stadium

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

Merino also gave a glowing reference of Arsenal when asked by Zubimendi about his time there so far.

Zubimendi is a player Arteta admires greatly and who is expected to become the conductor of Arsenal’s midfield.

Coaches who worked with Zubimendi in his formative years remember a polite, unassuming character off the pitch, but one who displayed a striking composure in possession.

Those traits have remained and Spain boss De la Fuente has described Zubimendi as a midfielder who brings “calm to the game,” an attribute that was evident in the final of Euro 2024.

When Rodri was forced off at half-time through injury, Zubimendi stepped up to help guide Spain to victory over England.

In the 45 minutes he played, he misplaced only two of his 26 passes, won every duel, and dispelled any anxiety about Rodri’s absence.

Zubimendi’s arrival should allow Arsenal to field a first-choice midfield of himself, Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, a trio all aged 26 and entering their prime.

Zubimendi will wear the No36 at Arsenal

Arsenal FC via Getty Images

For a club that has fallen just short in recent title races, there is an expectation that this combination can finally deliver silverware.

Zubimendi’s arrival, and the departure of Partey, represents a stylistic shift.

On the ball, Zubimendi offers a more adventurous approach and Arsenal’s recruitment team were impressed with his range of passing.

Last season in La Liga, he ranked in the top five for central midfielders when it came to successful long passes and progressive passes.

Zubimendi also made 238 line-breaking passes in La Liga last season - and that was bettered only by three midfielders, all of whom played for Real Madrid. Such an approach should help Arsenal break down teams that sit deep, which has been a long-term issue for them.

Zubimendi is also able to carry the ball well and De la Fuente has referenced that as being key to Spain winning the final of Euro 2024.

Zubimendi was able to draw out England’s midfielders, creating space for the No8s ahead of him to thrive. If he can do the same with Arsenal, it should allow Odegaard and Rice to shine next season.

The question remains whether Zubimendi can adapt to the pace and physicality of the Premier League.

Encouragingly, his defensive numbers in Spain were strong.

He was third in La Liga last season for possessions won in the middle third, and among the top five central midfielders for tackles, interceptions and aerial duels.

How effectively those qualities translate to English football remains to be seen, but Arsenal believe they have acquired a world-class midfielder with the ability and ambition to take them to the next level.