The Gunners are set to activate Martin Zubimendi’s €60 million (£51 million) release clause in the summer transfer window.
Amidst a disappointing week for Arsenal, some positive news has emerged from the club this week. Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that Arsenal have all but signed Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
The Gunners are set for a busy transfer window, with Zubimendi the first of several expected signings this summer.
However, what can Zubimendi add to Mikel Arteta’s squad?
Zubimendi has spent his whole career at Real Sociedad after being born in San Sebastian. The 26-year-old had been linked with Liverpool but rebuked the chance to join the Reds last summer.
The defensive midfielder was part of Spain’s Euro 2024 winning squad alongside David Raya and Mikel Merino – Zubimendi would add to the growing Spanish contingent at the club.
Martin Zubimendi of Spain poses with his Euro 2024 Winners' medal (Credit: GettyImages/Jonathan Moscrop).
Martin Zubimendi of Spain poses with his Euro 2024 Winners' medal (Credit: GettyImages/Jonathan Moscrop).
The arrival of the Spaniard could seeDeclan Rice continue in his role further up in the midfield, but it also gives Arteta flexibility. Zubimendi could sit as the anchor point in the centre of the pitch, with Rice making runs from deep.
The Gunners’ boss has discussed the need for flexibility in the past; the arrival of his new signing helps this.
As well as playing with Merino at an international level, Zubimendi also started alongside his compatriot at Sociedad. In fact, both players formed a midfield trio with Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard.
All three players should be familiar with each other's strengths and weaknesses, which could ease Zubimendi's transition to England.
What are Zubimendi’s best attributes?
The Spaniard is a great passer of the football. He can receive the ball from deep and move it quickly up the field in a matter of seconds.
Arsenal have been criticised for their speed of play this season, often slow and tiresome in possession. The addition of Zubimendi can help to resolve this issue.
He is not just great on the ball either. The Spaniard is in the 94th percentile for clearances and the 86th for aerials won. This means that only six per cent and 14 per cent of midfielders are better than Zubimendi in those stats respectively. The Real Sociedad midfielder knows when to relieve the pressure off of his team.
Mikel Merino of
Mikel Merino of Real Sociedad, Martin Odegaard of Real Sociedad and Zubimendi of Real Sociedad (Credit: GettyImages/ Soccrates Images).
It may be fair to say that Zubimendi’s statistics are influenced by the team he plays for. Sociedad have struggled in La Liga this season and are currently in 11th place, a considerable drop-off from the heights of Europa League qualification last season.
His passing statistics are average for his club side. Zubimendi would need to raise his in-possession numbers with a move to North London.
Arsenal doing business early is a refreshing change
With Zubimendi’s transfer just needing the formalities, Arsenal have completed an early signing. The Euros winner should benefit from a full pre-season under Mikel Arteta, which will aid his adaptation to English football.
Last summer, Arsenal scrambled to get Raheem Sterling’s loan move from Chelsea over the line on deadline day. However, it appears Andrea Berta is looking to get most of the Gunners’ business done early.
A striker, left-sided attacker, defender and goalkeeper are all expected to head to North London this transfer window, although outgoings will be necessary to accommodate the new signings.
If Arteta and the club can get the majority of these players in before and during pre-season, the Gunners can start the new campaign on a high.