Arsenal are set for a busy 2025/26 season, with some big decisions to be made surrounding the team before it all kicks off.
One choice that has already been made surrounds an addition in midfield, as Arsenal are set to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a deal worth roughly £51 million.
The Spaniard is readying a switch to the Emirates Stadium, despite reports of interest from Real Madrid, with a medical and the signing to be completed.
As Arsenal prepare to unveil Martin Zubimendi, plenty of focus will then shift to how well he can adjust to life in the Premier League.
It won’t be an easy start, however, after the release of the Premier League fixture list.
Arsenal take on Manchester United in the first match of the campaign, lining up a huge debut for the Spaniard.
Spanish media praised Martin Zubimendi despite Man United defeat
It won’t be the first time that Martin Zubimendi has taken on Manchester United, as he faced off with them last season in the Europa League.
Having missed the first leg of the clash, the midfielder recovered from illness to take part in the second leg at Old Trafford.
It was a night to forget as Real Sociedad fell apart, losing 4-1 on the night and were left to wonder what could’ve been.
Despite that, Zubimendi got plenty of praise from the Spanish media, which could spell good news for Arsenal ahead of his debut.
“The number 4 performed well,” Noticias de Gipuzkoa claimed in their player ratings, giving him a six out of ten performance.
“[He was] at his best until he was brought off. He had a commendable performance, both as a central midfielder and as a defender.”
El Desmarque were also complimentary, despite the difficult display, stating: “He appeared in spurts and turns. He didn’t dominate the midfield as he usually does. He helped out with the ball when the team needed it.”
Given the fact that he could be dropped straight into the team, it could spell good news that Zubimendi has already had that experience under his belt of facing United.
Arsenal will certainly hope that they are on the end of a better result than what he faced at Old Trafford last time, however.
- READ MORE: Arsenal’s 2025/26 Premier League fixture list in full as Mikel Arteta aims to end 22-year title wait
Martin Zubimendi’s record against Manchester United
With Zubimendi set for that Arsenal debut against Manchester United, there are some concerns regarding his record.
In four meetings with the Red Devils, the midfielder has only won once, which may bring about questions of his suitability against them.
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Defeats |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
It’s something he will look to improve upon going forward, though it is very much a team game at the end of the day.
A different environment, featuring new players around him, could unlock a different side to him and may help improve that record.
Declan Rice is a prime example, having certainly made his mark on matches against Manchester United over the past couple of seasons.
It’s now down to Zubimendi to follow and make that impression on fans and his teammates in such a huge first game.
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