Arsenal are evolving. But not with loud, headline-grabbing signings, but with pieces that make the machine work smoother. An example is one of their latest signings, Martin Zubimendi.
The Spanish midfielder, until recently was at Real Sociedad. He is the kind of player you don’t always notice. . . until he’s not there. He doesn’t do step-overs or shoot from 30 yards out. Instead, he offers calm, intelligence, and control. Three things Arsenal’s midfield has needed in big moments.
And that’s exactly what Arteta sees in him. Here are some things Zubimendi will offer Arsenal’s midfield.
Embed from Getty ImagesA calm conductor in the midfield
Zubimendi is not your typical No. 6. He’s not built like a destroyer. He’s not obsessed with long passes or flashy highlights. But what he does better than most is keep the ball moving. His press resistance, spatial awareness, and decision-making under pressure make him a unique profile. The kind of player who turns chaos into calm.
Much like Pedri for Spain or even Busquets in his prime, Zubimendi thrives on dictating tempo. He makes short passes look effortless, always finds space, and is rarely dispossessed.
In Arteta’s system where control is king, having a midfielder who can retain possession and offer passing lanes at all times is invaluable.
Embed from Getty ImagesArteta’s Rodri Blueprint
Many believe Arteta is trying to recreate the Rodri effect at Arsenal. And for good reason. Rodri has been Pep Guardiola’s metronome at Manchester City, anchoring a system built on rhythm and balance.
While Zubimendi may not be a Rodri clone, he has the profile to replicate that influence in North London.
Jorginho brings experience, but lacks physical mobility. Thomas Partey offers dynamism but has been plagued by inconsistency and injuries. Zubimendi offers both discipline and mobility.
He’s positionally sound, rarely caught out of shape, and doesn’t dive into rash tackles. In short, he’s a system player and Arteta loves system players.
Embed from Getty ImagesThe key to unlock Rice and Odegaard further
Perhaps the most exciting part of this move lies in what it could unlock. With Zubimendi stationed as a dedicated defensive midfielder, Declan Rice will be free to push forward more often. Rice has shown he can contribute in both halves of the pitch, but being stuck in the deepest role often limits his attacking involvement.
With Zubimendi behind him, Rice can play as a modern box-to-box eight, covering ground, carrying the ball forward, and arriving late in the box. Alongside him, Martin Ødegaard can remain in his creative zone, connecting play in the final third without always having to drop deep and help in build-up.
This midfield trio, Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard, is balanced, technical, and tactically intelligent. It gives Arsenal flexibility, structure, and most importantly, control.
Embed from Getty ImagesSpanish roots and silent leadership
There’s also a cultural angle that shouldn’t be overlooked. Zubimendi joins a manager who understands him not just tactically, but culturally. Mikel Arteta, a fellow Spaniard and midfield purist, knows exactly how to integrate players like him.
Zubimendi won’t also shout instructions or command headlines. But he’ll quietly do his job, offering the kind of silent leadership that title winning teams are built on. He fits the mold of players like Luka Modric or Sergio Busquets. . . understated, but indispensable.
Embed from Getty ImagesMaybe, the missing piece?
In the past few seasons, Arsenal have come close. But in key moments, the midfield has looked stretched, especially against elite opposition. Zubimendi might not be the flashiest signing, but he could be the most important.
With his arrival, Mikel Arteta isn’t just adding depth. He’s strengthening the foundation quietly, deliberately, and with purpose.
And sometimes, that’s how you win.
Embed from Getty ImagesWritten by Pejuola Ransome
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