How Zubimendi will boost Declan Rice and Arsenal

With Zubimendi’s arrival Arsenal's midfield look frightening for our rivals - by Nick Manfredi 

Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal has been the worst kept secret in football for many months now but here he finally is, signed, sealed, delivered, he’s ours.

But what will Zubimendi bring to N5?

Well, at 26 years of age, he brings fresh legs to Arsenal’s midfield as a player entering his prime years.

This is much needed as we are expecting a long and gruelling season, hopefully with the team competing strongly on all four fronts and being reliant on the aging Jorginho didn’t seem like the best course of action. It seems Arteta agrees.

In terms of style of play, Zubimendi is the type of player who always seeks precision in a timely manner. He rarely dwells on the ball, instead always looking to make a quick release after only one or two touches. This fits in seamlessly with Arteta’s style of play and will hopefully help Arsenal to unlock low blocks with more efficiency.

The Spaniard also provides a strong defensive presence. He primarily plays as a defensive midfielder. It is likely Zubimendi would play the role of the anchor at the base of Arsenal’s midfield. He would act as yet another shield in Arsenal’s already formidable defensive unit.

Zubimendi excels in making key interceptions, breaking up opposition attacks and screening the back four. He is a very combative player who is strong in the duels, a quality Arteta famously loves.

In 2024-25 Zubimendi ranked 3rd in La Liga for possessions won in the middle 3rd completing this action an impressive 94 times. He is a very physical player despite being under six foot tall like so many of our players.

Zubimendi has drawn some comparisons with Sergio Busquets because of his press resistance and how he is able to turn away from pressure with the slightest of movements. It would certainly be a very welcome trait in our midfield alongside Declan Rice who we know is also very reliable under pressure.

During the times I've watched Zubimendi’s games something that struck me was his ability to play line breaking passes from a medium level distance.

Zubimendi isn’t renowned for his long distance passing, however in my opinion he excels in passes from the middle third into the final third, which will prove to be very effective in breaking down those horrible low blocks.

If opposition defences thought they had Arteta’s Arsenal figured out, they might have to think again. Zubimendi is just the latest string to Arteta’s everchanging bow and arrow.

I would say that Zubimendi impressed me more when playing for Spain rather than Real Sociedad and you could probably put this down to the fact he plays with world class quality all over the pitch for the national side which isn’t really the case with Sociedad even if they are a good side.

It will be no different at Arsenal where he’ll be playing in a midfield with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.

With Zubimendi’s arrival, our midfield really does look frightening for our rivals.

Zubimendi is the kind of player who keeps things ticking, seldom dawdles on the ball and always looks for the forward pass.

All superb traits to have if you want to play in midfield for Arsenal under Senor Arteta.

So is Zubimendi an upgrade on what we had last season?

I would say he certainly is.

The Spaniard is exceptionally mobile, very defensively aware and is just the perfect age to be joining a club like Arsenal. 

Zubimendi has more plenty of beans in his legs at 26 years of age and will hopefully spend all his prime years at The Arsenal.

Previous articles by exciting new Arsenal writer Nick Manfredi:

How Ethan Nwaneri's U21 Euro success will help to boost Arsenal's hopes of silverware

Three Players Arsenal Could Sign This Summer Who Won't Break The Bank

A Love Letter to Santi Cazorla

Arsenal 2025-26 Premier League fixtures analysed

Martin Odegaard: Here's to a better 2025-26 for the Arsenal captain

All Hail Declan Rice: Arsenal's midfield genius

Arsenal's new red and white home kit: Lighten my wallet now

Feel the positivity under Arteta after Rice's superb stunner steers Arsenal to the Champions League