Arsenal’s win over Chelsea felt special; it was not just about goals or the scoreline. It was about belief. After the match, William Saliba said the team wants to “win everything”. Fans agree this season feels different. Declan Rice is already a star in midfield, but now Arsenal may have found another gem. His name is Martin Zubimendi, and the £60m signing is starting to look like a masterstroke.
🚨 Martin Zubimendi has been quietly going about his business ALL SEASON as one of the best signings of 2025.
He's the glue that knits everything together at Arsenal, the perfect partner for Declan Rice. 🇪🇸🔝 pic.twitter.com/6XlG4kENPp
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) January 15, 2026
Martin Zubimendi and Arsenal’s Growing Belief
Arsenal have come close to winning big trophies in recent years. They pushed hard in the league but fell short. This season, the team looks stronger and calmer. The defence is solid; the attack is improving. Most importantly, the midfield is powerful and smart.
Declan Rice has been key to this success since joining Arsenal; he has led by example. But he wins the ball, passes well, and scores important goals. Fans love his energy and effort.
Now, Martin Zubimendi is adding something new. Signed from Real Sociedad, the Spanish midfielder cost around £60m. That is a lot of money, but he is already proving his value; he plays mainly as a defensive midfielder. His job is to protect the defence and help control the game.
Zubimendi is calm on the ball. He does not panic under pressure. He wins tackles and keeps possession. These simple things help Arsenal stay in control during matches. Like Rice, he works hard every minute he is on the pitch.
Why Martin Zubimendi Looks Like the New Rice
At first, some fans saw Martin Zubimendi as just a “number six”. That means a player who stays back and defends. But he is showing that he can do much more than that.
This season, Zubimendi has started to move forward more; he joins attacks when the time is right. He carries the ball well and makes smart runs into the box. Against Chelsea, he showed this clearly. In the second half, he beat two defenders and scored a strong goal. It was not lucky. It was skill.
Mikel Arteta has praised him many times. The Arsenal manager said Zubimendi “can do anything”. He likes how the midfielder carries the ball and arrives in the box at the right time.
This is very similar to Declan Rice’s journey at Arsenal. In his first season, Rice played deeper. Now, he does everything. He defends, attacks, assists, and scores. Zubimendi is following the same path.
Fans Are Starting to Get Excited
Arsenal fans are talking more and more about Zubimendi. On social media, many are calling him a bargain. Some say he could be a “project-defining signing”. That means a player who changes the future of the club.
Fans love players who work hard and stay calm. Zubimendi does both. He does not chase praise. He just plays his game. That makes supporters trust him.
Many fans now believe that Arsenal has the best midfield pair in the league. Rice and Zubimendi balance each other perfectly.
Why This Midfield Could Win Trophies
Having two strong midfielders changes everything. Rice brings power, goals, and leadership. Zubimendi brings control, balance, and intelligence. Together, they help Arsenal dominate games.
This midfield can handle pressure and tough opponents. It helps Arsenal stay calm when games get difficult. Over a long season, that consistency matters.
This could be the key to winning trophies. If Arsenal win the Premier League or a cup, Zubimendi’s £60m fee will look cheap.
Author’s Opinion
In conclusion, Arsenal have many great players, but midfield wins titles. With Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, the Gunners may finally have the perfect pair to turn belief into silverware. Mikel Arteta also praises Zubimendi from time to time for his controls.
As featured on GoonerNews.com