Report: Arsenal’s new pivot tipped to transform Arteta’s tactical setup | OneFootball

Strategic move to land Zubimendi over Real Madrid

Arsenal have secured a key addition to their midfield with the £50 million capture of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, seeing off competition from Real Madrid in the process. It is a signing rooted in detailed planning, long-term vision and a manager’s persuasive influence.

Mikel Arteta first identified Zubimendi as the club’s top midfield target over a year ago. With vetrans both moving on, the Gunners were keen to find a long-term No6 capable of orchestrating play while offering composure and resilience.

Arsenal initially approached Real Sociedad in the summer of 2024 but the Spanish club were unwilling to part with both Zubimendi and Mikel Merino in the same window. That did not deter Arsenal. Instead, they proposed a delayed agreement and began putting the framework of the transfer in place for 2025.

That groundwork proved vital. By March this year, the deal was all but complete, pending final paperwork. It was a timely conclusion, particularly after Real Madrid attempted to hijack the move following the appointment of Xabi Alonso as their new manager.

Zubimendi shares a strong bond with Alonso, his former coach and idol, and a Real Madrid approach might have proved decisive in different circumstances. But Arteta’s prior engagement and developing relationship with the midfielder proved decisive. Both men came through the same Basque academy, Antiguoko, where Alonso also began his football education.

This connection, coupled with Arteta’s vision for Zubimendi’s role in north London, helped seal the deal. “Rodri is the best in the world, irreplaceable, but Martin is the second best,” said Spain manager Luis de la Fuente. “He oozes assuredness from every pore, he doesn’t get nervous walking a tightrope with no safety net.”

Profile of a modern-day conductor

Zubimendi, now 26, arrives with a five-year contract and will wear the No36 shirt. His signing signifies a stylistic change in Arsenal’s approach. While Partey offered physicality and experience, Zubimendi provides tactical intelligence and refined distribution.

Those who worked with him in his early years recall a calm, disciplined character who rarely put a foot wrong in possession. That maturity has remained. De la Fuente has spoken of Zubimendi’s ability to “bring calm to the game”, a trait that was evident during Euro 2024.

In the final against England, Rodri was forced off at half-time, placing extra responsibility on Zubimendi. He responded impressively, completing 24 of 26 passes, winning every duel and helping Spain to a narrow victory. It was a performance that underlined his big-game composure.

Zubimendi is expected to operate as Arsenal’s new pivot, forming a midfield trio alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. All three are 26, entering their peak years and give Arsenal the foundation to challenge for major trophies.

His arrival allows Rice to push slightly higher up the pitch, while Odegaard can benefit from more space in attacking areas. This balance could be key for a club that has narrowly missed out in recent title races.

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Statistical foundation for success

Beyond the technical and tactical qualities, Zubimendi’s underlying numbers reflect a midfielder of rare efficiency. Last season in La Liga, he ranked in the top five for central midfielders for successful long passes and progressive passes.

He also completed 238 line-breaking passes, bettered by only three midfielders in the league, all of whom played for Real Madrid. Arsenal’s recruitment team were particularly drawn to this attribute, seeing it as vital to breaking down compact defences — a problem that has troubled the team in recent seasons.

In possession, he can draw out opposition midfielders and create passing lanes for others. This was evident in Spain’s win over England, where his ability to carry the ball opened up space for others to exploit. If replicated in the Premier League, Arsenal could become more incisive and unpredictable.

Defensively, questions remain over whether Zubimendi can adjust to the Premier League’s intensity. However, his statistics in La Liga suggest a player with strong defensive awareness. He was third in the league for possessions won in the middle third and ranked highly among midfielders for tackles, interceptions and aerial duels.

This signing is not just about improving the starting XI, but building a sustainable structure. Zubimendi’s character, intelligence and tactical discipline match the demands Arteta places on his players.

His move to Arsenal was not a decision taken lightly. As a boyhood Real Sociedad player, Zubimendi required convincing. Arteta played a direct role in that, building trust through regular conversations and offering a clear picture of his future at the club.

Mikel Merino, who spent a short time at Arsenal, also spoke highly of the club and its project when Zubimendi asked for advice. That validation helped reinforce the midfielder’s decision.

Zubimendi now has a platform to influence one of the Premier League’s most ambitious projects. With Rice and Odegaard beside him, and Arteta behind him, the new pivot could be the player who brings control, incision and ultimately, trophies to the Emirates Stadium.