Arsenal fans are buzzing with excitement. A new midfield star has arrived at the Emirates, and many believe he could be even more important than big signings like Eberechi Eze and Viktor Gyökeres. Martin Zubimendi has been called Arsenal’s “new Rice” — a defensive rock who keeps the team steady, creative, and strong in the middle. But is he really worth more than Arsenal’s flashy attacking stars? Recent facts suggest yes — and then some.
Arsenal this Summer
Arsenal had a huge summer in 2025. The club signed a mix of stars to boost their title push. Eberechi Eze arrived from Crystal Palace for around £67.5m to strengthen the attack and creativity. Viktor Gyökeres, signed for close to £69m, was brought in to boost goals.
But in the middle of the park, Arsenal made a quieter move for Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. The Spanish midfielder cost around £51–60m depending on how reported fees are counted. Many fans weren’t sure what to expect at first. Yet his performances have turned heads.
This season, Arsenal sits near the top of the Premier League. New signings are a big reason why — but for many fans and analysts, Zubimendi’s calm presence has been a standout.
The moment we realized that in the two times Arsenal lost in the Premier League this season,Martin Zubimendi was the one who shined for the team.
In both of these matches, Zubi seemed to be the only player who showed his ego and the spirit of 'not being afraid of anyone' in the… https://t.co/d1UKQM3pfp pic.twitter.com/isvIccP551
— 🥤𝐌𝐞𝐱 (@_Afcmex) December 13, 2025
Martin Zubimendi: The New Rice?
Martin Zubimendi’s impact since joining Arsenal has been strong and steady. He may not score a bucket of goals like Eze or Gyökeres, but his influence goes far deeper. In his first few matches, he helped shape how Arsenal control games. He connects play from defense to attack, wins crucial balls, and reads the play ahead of most midfielders. According to recent performance data, Zubimendi is creating more chances and linking up better than expected — even improving his expected assist (xA) numbers sharply.
In Arsenal’s 3–0 win over Nottingham Forest, Zubimendi scored two goals. One was a stunning volley that won the Premier League Goal of the Month award for September. Though he isn’t a traditional goal threat, these moments show that he can do more than just protect the midfield.
For many fans, Zubimendi feels like a perfect foil to Declan Rice. While Rice thrives in breaking up play and driving forward, Zubimendi keeps Arsenal balanced with smart passes and defensive reads. Together, they make Arsenal much harder to beat. Many commentators now say Zubimendi’s role has already been vital to Arsenal’s title push — and in some ways surpasses the contributions of costlier creative players.
Tactically, Zubimendi lets Arsenal control the tempo. He drops deep to collect the ball and drives it forward calmly. He rarely panics under pressure.
Fans’ Analysis
Fans on social media and forums are split — but most agree on one thing: Zubimendi has been a revelation. Many supporters say he has already done more for Arsenal’s balance than some high-fee attackers. Even Arsenal legends and pundits have praised his calmness and positioning.
On Reddit and fan threads, supporters call him the “quiet hero” or “the engine that makes the team flow.” Some even argue he’s already better than the flashy names because he helps others perform. Others point out that while players like Eze get applause for skills and goals, Zubimendi brings a different kind of value — one that wins tougher, more tactical battles.
Zubimendi’s Impact at Arsenal
Midfield control determines how teams win titles. Zubimendi helps Arsenal do exactly that.
His presence gives manager Mikel Arteta tactical flexibility. Rice can push forward more often because Zubimendi holds the structure. Attacking stars like Eze and Gyökeres benefit too — they get more clean feeds and better balance overall.
If Zubimendi keeps playing like this, Arsenal may have found not just another midfielder — but the key piece for their Premier League and Champions League ambitions.
Martin Zubimendi, Controlled the midfield without Rice, Anchored the defence, produced 2 assists
He's yet to have a bad game after playing 20 Games for Arsenal👏 pic.twitter.com/dNvJy1GnoP
— UpYourArsenal🔴⚪🔴⚪♥️ (@UPYOURARSENAL04) December 11, 2025
Author’s Insight
Zubimendi may not be the flashiest signing, but his quiet influence could be the difference in a tight title race. Watch how Arsenal evolves when he’s on the pitch.
As featured on GoonerNews.com