Introduction: Zubimendi on the Move?
Martin Zubimendi is one of the hottest midfielders in Europe at the moment. The Real Sociedad youngster has been on the shopping lists of a number of big clubs. Arsenal want him. So does Barcelona. But to the surprise of most, Liverpool chased—and lost interest.
This was disappointing to all. Zubimendi is the sort of player that Liverpool need. He’s clever, composed on the ball, and wizardly at disrupting play. So why did not Liverpool act more assertively to sign him? And what does it gain for Arsenal?
Liverpool Took a Step Back
Liverpool scouts have been monitoring Zubimendi for several months. Scouts were impressed. He has a great footballing head, dominates the midfield. He is 25, which is his prime age.
But Liverpool did not sign him. They informed him that they were not certain about one thing—his physical way of playing. The Premier League is a physical and a fast game. Liverpool prefer midfielders who run their guts out, tackle tough, and play 90 minutes.
Zubimendi is technically more able than he is physically. He does well in La Liga, where the pace of the game is slower. However, Liverpool feel he could flounder in the English Premier League.
The Price Tag Was Also an Issue
The other reason why Liverpool took a step back is because of the fee. Real Sociedad have placed his release clause at approximately £52 million. That is an enormous risk on a player who has not been tried in the Premier League.
Liverpool’s transfer department is extremely careful with finances. They did not want to pay that amount of money without getting the ideal fit. They have done so in the past and do not wish to repeat that.
So eager as they were initially, Liverpool backed out.
Arsenal Still Interested—but Must Be Careful
Arsenal, however, are interested. Mikel Arteta favors players who understand the game and are good on the ball. Zubimendi is on the list.
He would bring in some freshness to their current squad. He can sit deep and allow the likes of Declan Rice to push the team forward. He remains calm under pressure and keeps the team running.
In spite:more Football-mattersvh Arsenal should take heed of Liverpool’s warning. The Premier League is a much tougher grade up from La Liga. Whether Zubimendi could cope with that pressure week in, week out is doubtful.
In the last three seasons no La Liga midfielder has won possession more times than Martín Zubimendi ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/GQMqRWNuzX
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 6, 2025
Style of Play: Strength or Weakness?
Zubimendi operates as a defensive midfielder. But he is not the usual type. He does not dive in and challenge or ping back and forth along the pitch. Instead, he intercepts, heads away, and creates.
That will serve in Spain. But it will not serve in England. The midfielders there need more toughness. Clubs impose more intensity. Space is scarce. Time on the ball is scarce.
This is the big worry. Can Zubimendi adapt to a league that demands more intensity?
Arteta’s System Might Help
One point in Zubimendi’s favor is Mikel Arteta. The Arsenal boss plays a system that protects technical midfielders. His team holds the ball and builds attacks slowly. That suits Zubimendi.
Arteta also trusts Spanish players. He helped Martin Ødegaard grow into a leader. He may feel he can do the same with Zubimendi.
If Arsenal manage to hold those games, Zubimendi would excel. But if they lose their hold on that, he would not be able to fit in.
Author’s Opinion: The Right Player, the Wrong League?
Zubimendi is a smart player. He is more intelligent than most in game reading. Very rarely does he ever lose the ball, and he always tries to play the correct pass.
But the Premier League is not La Liga. It’s quicker, harsher, and harder physically. That’s why Liverpool rejected him. They didn’t think he could handle the intensity and strength needed.
If Arsenal sign him, it will take him a while to settle in. He won’t play on the ground immediately. But with proper guidance, he could develop into a good component of their midfield.
This is a risk, but one that may be worth taking. Time only will tell.
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