Andrea Berta appears to have secured his first signing as Arsenal’s sporting director, with Martin Zubimendi set to arrive from Real Sociedad.
Arsenal will trigger Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause, with the Spaniard set to sign a long-term contract at the Emirates.
The Gunners have been courting the midfielder for some time, as they look to rebuild their ageing midfield department.
Jorginho is set to join Flamengo at the end of the season, while Thomas Partey is yet to agree a new deal with the North London club, meaning Arsenal were in desperate need for a new number six.
Arsenal fans are delighted with Martin Zubimendi signing
Some fans were concerned about Zubimendi after he produced a poor display for Sociedad against Manchester United in the Europa League earlier this season, although this sentiment wasn’t replicated after Fabrizio Romano broke the news that the deal was done on Saturday morning.
The Gunners faithful were over the moon about Zubimendi’s seemingly imminent arrival, with the player now expected to link up with his new teammates for the start of pre-season.
One fan took to X to express his excitement over the deal: “Very pleased with the Zubimendi news. Clear need answered with one of the best on the market. Done early — can play pre-season. Adds tempo & rhythm control with more legs than J20 – a problem this year. Prime, win now player with a clear message. Welcome Martin!”
Another added: “Martin Zubimendi is the most in-demand, tempo-setting six on the planet with a vast two-footed passing range; this is a huge coup for Arsenal. It’s still a verbal agreement, and there are steps to go, but agreeing it now is a statement of intent ahead of a big summer.”
Meanwhile, another fan wrote, simply: “For what this squad needs, Zubimendi is stylistically a superb fit.”
One supporter posited: “Declan Rice chose us over City & Bayern. Zubimendi chose us over Liverpool & Madrid. All coaches and players see where [Mikel] Arteta is taking us. That’s all that matters. The players will keep picking us over them, and we will keep improving.”
Finally, another fan was encouraged by the promptness of the deal: “Happy to see us being proactive already ahead of this summer. Zubimendi will be a great signing.”
How will Martin Zubimendi fit in at Arsenal?
Given he’s arriving for £51 million, Zubimendi will likely expect to play a prominent role at Arsenal.
The midfielder should be the man to take Thomas Partey’s position, with the Ghanaian ageing and declining, and should be replaced, even if he remains in N5.
That means that Zubimendi will sit at the base of Arsenal’s midfield, forming a trio alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
The Spaniard likes to drop deep and collect the ball before progressing it up the pitch, although his responsibilities will certainly change somewhat at Arsenal.
At Sociedad, playing in a non-possession based side, he’s often extremely deep when he distributes the ball.
At Arsenal, he’ll be tasked with sitting a lot higher up the pitch against low blocks, with the onus on him to break lines and prevent transitions.
It may take him a little bit of time to adjust, but he has the tools in his repertoire to thrive in an Arsenal shirt.
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