4 Reasons Why Martin Zubimendi Improves Arsenal

Arsenal’s reported interest in Martín Zubimendi is more than a transfer rumor. It’s a statement of intent. As Mikel Arteta continues refining his squad into a serious title-challenging unit, adding a technically sound, tactically intelligent, and defensively assured midfielder like Zubimendi makes perfect sense.

At 26, the Real Sociedad star is entering his prime and boasts elite-level experience in one of Europe’s toughest leagues. Here are four key reasons why Zubimendi could be a game-changing signing for the Gunners,  plus why he’s the perfect heir to a fading Thomas Partey.

1. Anchoring the Midfield with Tactical Intelligence

Zubimendi thrives as a deep-lying midfielder who doesn’t just connect defense to attack but controls the tempo of an entire game. At Real Sociedad, he’s evolved into the heartbeat of their possession-based system. He averages 56.76 passes per 90 minutes with an accuracy of 84.9%,  evidence of his composure and consistency when building from the back.

This profile is exactly what Arteta needs at the base of midfield. With Zubimendi shielding the defense, Arsenal’s other midfielders, especially Declan Rice, can be unleashed higher up the pitch, where their athleticism and ball-carrying ability can hurt opponents like they have done this season. Arteta has often had to use Rice deeper out of necessity; Zubimendi changes that dynamic completely.

He’s not flashy, but that’s the point. He does the dirty work elegantly, keeping things ticking and controlling even under pressure. He’s the player who makes everyone else look better and is a proper anchor.

2. Enhancing Defensive Stability and Much-Needed Depth

One of the biggest weaknesses Arsenal displayed in high-pressure moments this season was their vulnerability in transitions. Whether against Liverpool or their tie against Paris Saint-Germain, their midfield sometimes lacked the defensive anticipation to halt counterattacks before they became dangerous. Yes, they are defensively a really good unit, probably the best in the world. However, one injury in either the midfield or the defense makes them look vulnerable. 

As good as he was against Madrid, Thomas Partey missed the first leg of the PSG game through suspension, and Arsenal struggled. The 32-year-old was sloppy in the second leg, which resulted in them losing the tie. Having midfield depth is going to be super important for the Gunners, and the Spanish provide just about that. 

Zubimendi reads the game at an elite level and positions himself to cut off passing lanes and intercept balls before the danger escalates. His 67.35% aerial duel success rate is the highest among La Liga midfielders with 250+ duels since 2019/20, showing he can also physically hold his own. This is something Premier League teams will test every week, and something Arteta prefers for his players. 

Beyond just destroying plays, Zubimendi also excels at quickly turning defense into attack. He has a sharp passing range and prefers vertical balls when possible, helping launch counters or switch play to exploit space. With pacey attackers like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard around him, he’ll be the silent engine behind many dangerous moves.

3. Aligning with Arteta’s Vision

Mikel Arteta has a clear identity he wants his team to reflect: disciplined, fluid, and relentlessly structured. Not every midfielder fits into that blueprint, but Zubimendi does, almost to perfection. He was developed under Xabi Alonso and later Imanol Alguacil at Sociedad, two tactically astute coaches who drilled into him the importance of positioning, spacing, and selfless play. Zubimendi never strays from his role, rarely loses shape, and plays with a team-first mentality, all things Arteta values deeply.

It’s also worth noting that Arteta has reportedly been a personal admirer of Zubimendi for a while. He doesn’t often chase a player this persistently unless he sees them as a foundational piece. The trust Arteta places in players like Martin Ødegaard and William Saliba shows his system’s importance in tactical IQ, and Zubimendi checks that box better than most.

4.  Perfect Long-Term Replacement For Thomas Partey

Martín Zubimendi doesn’t just strengthen Arsenal’s present,  he secures their future. Thomas Partey, once and still a dominant midfield force, turns 32 this June and has struggled with injuries for the better part of two seasons. His physical presence and experience are valuable, but Arsenal can no longer rely on a player who misses large chunks of the campaign. Although Partey has improved his fitness for the 24/25 season, Arteta and the fans know they cannot survive without Declan Rice or Thomas Partey’s absence in midfield. This is precisely what Zubimendi solves. 

Zubimendi is the ideal long-term replacement. He offers similar strengths, smart positioning, defensive solidity, and comfort in possession,  but with a more disciplined, less injury-prone profile. He’s younger, more durable, and plays maturely, suggesting he could run Arsenal’s midfield for the next five to seven years.

Replacing Partey isn’t just about finding someone who can tackle or pass; it’s about finding a player who can be available week in and week out and help dictate Arsenal’s identity. Zubimendi brings that kind of reliability and upside. He also allows Arteta to gradually phase Partey out of the starting eleven without sacrificing structure or quality in midfield. For a team that’s looking to dominate both domestically and in Europe and end their trophy drought, consistency in the engine room is non-negotiable,  and Zubimendi offers just that.

Final Thoughts

Sometimes, the best signings are the ones that make the whole system work better. He improves Arsenal on every level, brings tactical clarity, stabilizes transitions, and fills a long-term need in the heart of midfield. Most importantly, he adds depth, which has been a significant factor in the Gunners’ inability to cross the finish line for the past few years.