Arsenal's acquisition of Spanish midfielder Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad marks a significant step in their quest for Premier League dominance. The 26-year-old has signed a five-year contract with the Gunners for a reported £51 million. Zubimendi's arrival addresses a crucial need for a top-class midfielder following the departures of Jorginho and Thomas Partey.

Mikel Arteta, the Arsenal manager, played a key role in convincing Zubimendi to join the club, building a strong connection with the player based on their shared background. Both grew up in San Sebastián and played for Real Sociedad, even starting at the same youth club. Zubimendi himself stated that Arsenal's style of play was a good fit for him. Andrea Berta, Arsenal's sporting director, highlighted Zubimendi as a key target, emphasizing his quality and perfect fit for the squad.

Zubimendi brings a wealth of experience to Arsenal, having made 236 appearances for Real Sociedad. He helped them win the Copa del Rey in 2021 alongside current Arsenal player Mikel Merino. He has also earned 19 caps for Spain, winning the 2023 UEFA Nations League and Euro 2024.

Playing Style and Strengths

Zubimendi is primarily a defensive midfielder, known for his tactical intelligence, composure, and precise passing. He excels in a deep-lying playmaker role, dictating the tempo of the game and providing stability in midfield. Comparisons have been drawn to Sergio Busquets and Xabi Alonso, highlighting Zubimendi's ability to control the rhythm of play and make intelligent decisions.

Key strengths that Zubimendi offers:

• Positional Awareness: He thrives in a role that demands exceptional positional awareness, reading the game, intercepting passes, and breaking up counter-attacks.
• Passing Range: Zubimendi is known for his accurate and decisive passing, capable of breaking defensive lines and progressing the ball forward.
• Composure Under Pressure: He remains composed in tight spaces, dictating tempo and playing line-breaking passes.
• Defensive Reliability: Zubimendi is a disciplined tackler, avoiding unnecessary fouls and providing a solid shield for the defense.
• Tactical Flexibility: He can play in a 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 formation, partnering with or sitting behind Declan Rice.
• Winning Mentality: Zubimendi brings a winning pedigree, having won the Spanish Cup, UEFA Nations League, and an Olympic silver medal.

Weaknesses

Despite his many strengths, Zubimendi has some areas for improvement. He is not particularly tall or physically imposing, which could be a disadvantage in the Premier League. He also doesn't offer great final third contributions.

How Zubimendi Fits into Arsenal's System

Zubimendi's arrival provides Arteta with tactical flexibility and enhances the balance of the Arsenal midfield. He can partner with Declan Rice, allowing the latter more freedom to push forward. His presence can also liberate Martin Ødegaard and other attacking players, allowing them to focus on creating chances in the final third. Zubimendi's ability to control the game from deep and maintain possession under pressure will be invaluable in breaking down deep-lying defenses.

Overall, Martín Zubimendi is a well-rounded midfielder who brings a unique blend of technical skill, tactical intelligence, and leadership to Arsenal. His arrival fills a critical need in the squad and provides Arteta with the tools to further refine his team's style of play.