Robbie Lyle Hails Arsenal’s “Real Coup” in Martin Zubimendi Deal | OneFootball

Arsenal Secure Zubimendi: Lyle Says “Outstanding Planning and Execution”

Arsenal Land Midfield Maestro Martin Zubimendi

In a move hailed as “a real coup for Arsenal,” AFTV’s Robbie Lyle confirmed that Martin Zubimendi has officially joined the North London club. After years of speculation and transfer links, the Spanish international signs on what Lyle calls “Arsenal’s first really major signing of the summer transfer window.”

The 26-year-old joins from Real Sociedad, where he has become a mainstay in both La Liga and the Spanish national team. As Robbie Lyle put it, “He is going to be the guy coming in that defensive midfielder,” slotting into a midfield already boasting Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.

Persistence Over Flash: Arsenal’s Tactical Patience

This deal was not born overnight. “Arsenal have been linked with Martin Zubimendi now for the past couple of years,” Lyle reminded viewers. The groundwork was laid long before the transfer window opened. According to Lyle, “It’s said that this deal was almost sorted out in January and ready to be done in the summer. He’d given Arsenal an agreement that I am going to join.”

That preparation paid off, especially when Real Madrid entered the fray. Lyle recalled Madrid’s typical manoeuvring: “They tried their usual tactics, putting it in the Marca newspaper on the front page.” Despite this, Zubimendi remained committed. “Arsenal were really really relaxed when all the noise was going on,” Lyle emphasised.

Robbie credited the club’s negotiation strategy: “Arsenal have paid a bit extra instead of just the actual release clause so that they can pay it in instalments.” This allows for further acquisitions without jeopardising financial flexibility.

Player with Balance and Brilliance

The Gunners have acquired more than a ball-winner. Lyle was quick to praise Zubimendi’s footballing IQ: “He’s been compared over in Spain to Sergio Busquets… difficult to get the ball off him, keeps it simple, keeps it ticking along.”

On the technical side, Zubimendi has it all. “He’s good at dribbling and carrying the ball… technically a really really gifted player,” Lyle stated. But his defensive instincts haven’t gone unnoticed either. “The ability to screen the defence, that ability to see danger and to be in the right place at the right time,” make him ideal for Mikel Arteta’s tactical demands.

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With both Thomas Partey and Jorginho departed, Lyle acknowledged the vacuum left behind, saying: “Zubimendi will be that main guy in midfield.” Fans can expect to see Christian Nørgaard arriving as support, but the anchor role is Zubimendi’s to own.

Midfield Trio to Challenge the League

Lyle’s excitement was palpable: “That midfield with Martin Zubimendi and Declan Rice… this is some serious quality.” With Ødegaard pushing forward and Rice box-to-box, the addition of a defensively adept and technically sound holding midfielder gives Arteta’s side the balance it has long needed.

Importantly, Zubimendi’s pedigree is beyond dispute. “He’s won the Euros with Spain… he played in the final,” Lyle highlighted, before concluding: “This is a really really fantastic signing.”

Conclusion

Arsenal’s ability to lock down a player sought by Real Madrid and Liverpool demonstrates the club’s evolving stature in the European market. Zubimendi’s arrival marks not just a tactical upgrade but a signal of serious intent.

“Outstanding planning and outstanding execution on this deal” – Lyle’s words underscore a momentous chapter for Arsenal.