Martin Zubimendi’s arrival at Arsenal has quickly become one of the most influential moves of the summer. Below you will see information about is news which has been summarized The Football Insight.
Signed for £52 million after fierce competition from Real Madrid, the Spanish midfielder has settled in with surprising ease. Despite being at the club for only a few months, he’s already being talked about as a key part of a squad finally strong enough to chase their first Premier League title in 22 years.
Zubimendi had several chances to leave Real Sociedad earlier, including a near-move to Liverpool. But he waited for the right moment a decision that now looks wise. The real turning point came when Mikel Arteta called. Known for his passion and detail-driven approach, Arteta convinced Zubimendi that Arsenal was the perfect next step.
The midfielder explained that Arteta’s clarity and vision won him over instantly. After a tough final season in Spain, he felt ready for a new challenge and believed Arsenal was the place where he could grow, contribute, and take the next step in his career.
The Rodri Comparison: High Praise From Spain
Former Spain star Gaizka Mendieta has compared Zubimendi to Rodri Manchester City’s midfield general and 2024 Ballon d’Or winner. Rodri has long been the heartbeat of a dominant City side, and Mendieta sees similar qualities in Arsenal’s new man. The comparison highlights just how crucial Zubimendi could become for the Gunners.
Mendieta described both players as midfielders who don’t always draw attention but make everything around them work. Their ability to free teammates, control space, and dictate tempo often goes unnoticed, yet it transforms their teams. When Rodri is missing, City look different. Mendieta believes Zubimendi offers Arsenal that same stability.
Even Rodri himself is a fan. He praised Zubimendi for his discipline, mentality, and potential to become one of the best, admitting he’s ready to “hand him the keys” to Spain’s midfield. That endorsement alone speaks volumes about the respect Zubimendi commands.
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A Natural Partnership With Declan Rice
While the Spanish comparisons are flattering, Zubimendi has also won over his new teammates. Declan Rice, one of Arsenal’s most important players, has been vocal about the immediate chemistry between them. He says their connection formed instantly in pre-season, something rare for a new midfield duo.
Rice calls him an “unbelievable player” calm on the ball, intelligent under pressure, and the perfect first-phase passer. Spanish No. 6s are known for their elegance and precision, and Zubimendi fits the mold perfectly. When opponents press, Arsenal players trust him completely to receive the ball and keep the game flowing.
Their partnership has become one of Arsenal’s biggest strengths this season, blending Rice’s power with Zubimendi’s smooth control. It’s a combination that allows Arsenal to dominate midfield battles and play with confidence.
Arsenal’s Big Tests Ahead
Arsenal’s past week has shown how far they’ve come. A dominant 4-1 win over Tottenham was followed by a commanding Champions League performance against Bayern Munich. These results suggest a team growing in belief and Zubimendi is at the heart of it.
The challenges aren’t slowing down. Next up is a top-of-the-table clash with Chelsea, a match that could define Arsenal’s title ambitions. For games like these, Zubimendi’s calm presence and tactical intelligence will be essential.
If he continues on this trajectory, Arsenal may finally have the midfield general they’ve been missing since the Invincibles era and perhaps the key to ending their long wait for Premier League glory. Follow footballcoasters.co.uk for weekly deep dives into football’s biggest story.