Instant reaction and insight as Arsenal announce Martin Zubimendi transfer from Real Sociedad

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Arsenal have announced their second signing of the summer window as Martin Zubimendi, and it is a major coup for the club.

Arsenal have signed Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, finally putting an end to the transfer saga that has run for months involving the Spanish midfielder.

Zubimendi was wanted by Real Madrid but was struck by Arsenal’s project, and in particular, is looking forward to working alongside Mikel Arteta.

He joins the likes of Declan Rice and international teammate Mikel Merino as the Gunners’ options in the centre of the park. Zubimendi is set for a key role at the Emirates Stadium next campaign.

Arsenal Insider writer verdict on Martin Zubimendi transfer

Arteta is under pressure to deliver a trophy next season and fans will be eyeing both the Premier League and Champions League crowns.

Arsenal are set to sign Christian Norgaard to complete their midfield following Thomas Partey’s departure but the Spaniard is a player the club have tracked for a lengthy period.

The Arsenal Insider writers have given their verdict on Zubimendi’s signing and why the Gunners were so intent on securing their man.

Luke Thrower: “I know everyone wants Arsenal to sign a striker, but I don’t think Martin Zubimendi’s arrival should be underestimated in terms of just how big it could be. The Gunners have had problems with breaking teams down, particularly through the middle, as things progress through the full-backs and out wide to the wingers.

“Martin Zubimendi is capable of receiving the ball from the backline, something Arsenal haven’t really had, even with the arrival of Declan Rice. That will allow the team to play through the middle more often, getting into dangerous areas frequently. With his ability to dictate the tempo too, it may help improve Martin Odegaard, who was dropping deep far too often last season.

“Zubimendi may not raise the ceiling, but he will certainly raise the floor of everyone in the team, who can, in turn, raise the ceiling.

Rosie Tudball: “Signing Zubimendi offers Arsenal a clear plan for the future of Arteta’s midfield project. Thomas Partey was crucial last season, but a lot of that was because he was the only one in the squad who could operate in the six role to Arteta’s preference.

“In Zubimendi, Arsenal are signing a top-quality midfielder who will only get better, a player to take Partey’s role and elevate it. Liverpool’s desire to sign the Spaniard says all that needs to be known about how he’s rated in Europe, it’s a great signing that I’m sure the club will be singing about in a years time.”

George Light: “Everyone is talking about Zubimendi being a replacement for Partey but I see the Spaniard as being the replacement for another departing midfielder this summer – Jorginho.

“Zubimendi is tactically astute, has a brilliant range of passing and will bring a composure to Arteta’s midfield that at times may have been lacking in recent years.

“There is no doubt that losing Partey is a blow but watching Arsenal over the last few years, they have played their most fluid football with Jorginho and Rice in midfield and I think that is what Arteta envisages with this signing.

“To beat the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid to a player shows that he is a player of great status within the game already and I fancy him to elevate that reputation during his time in North London.”

Shamanth Jayaram: “I don’t think Arsenal fans fully realise how big a signing Martin Zubimendi is. Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and Liverpool all wanted him — clubs like that don’t chase a player unless he’s truly world-class.

“Zubimendi is a clear upgrade on Thomas Partey, and his presence in midfield won’t just make Arsenal stronger, it will elevate Declan Rice’s game as well. Arsenal have signed a brilliant player in Zubimendi, and I’m convinced he’s going to be a star next season.”