The longest-running transfer saga of 2025 is finally over as Martin Zubimendi has officially signed for Arsenal.
Zubimendi was linked to Arsenal way back in January, and personal terms have been agreed for a long time.
Now, a deal is officially done, and we can now ponder what Martin Zubimendi will look like in this Arsenal team.
Some believe Zubimendi will be a great signing, but according to Troy Deeney, speaking on TalkSPORT, the Spanish midfielder is lacking in two key areas.
Deeney reckons that Zubimendi is lacking in both energy and defensive awareness, claiming that he thinks those areas will be a problem for Arsenal.
Arsenal Unveil New Signing Martin Zubimendi
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Troy Deeney has spotted two big Martin Zubimendi problems
Deeney shared his verdict on Zubimendi after he made his move to Arsenal.
The pundit likes the look of Zubimendi on the ball, but he’s not so keen on the midfielder’s ability off the ball in terms of energy or defensive acumen.
“I think it’s an improvement from a ball-playing keeping the ball type of place, but I don’t think he has the energy or the defensive awareness,” Deeney said.
“From what I know from people at Liverpool, they weren’t too disheartened about not getting him. I think they thought it would slow their game down too much, so it will be interesting to see how Arteta brings him in to the fray.”
Martin Zubimendi defensive stats analysed
Deeney says that he’s not convinced by Zubimendi as a defensive player, but his stats in this regard are solid.
Indeed, Zubimendi excels in the defensive areas as far as his numbers are concerned as he makes more tackles and interceptions per game than Declan Rice.
Martin Zubimendi defensive stats analysed
Tackles per game 2
Interceptions per game 1.2
Fouls per game 1.2
Blocks per game 0.4
Clearances per game 2.3
On top of that, Zubimendi makes his fair share of clearances and blocks, while he’s not scared to get stuck in with a foul or two either.
This is a player who Arsenal have courted for a long time, and they won’t have done so without being fully convinced by his skillset.
Deeney has his doubts about Zubimendi, and only time will tell if the midfielder proves to be good enough to make a difference for Arsenal.