Arsenal are reportedly finalising a move for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, with both clubs reportedly close to completing a deal that will see the Spaniard join the Gunners on a long-term contract. He is expected to undergo a medical soon, with an announcement anticipated in the coming days or weeks.
Zubimendi admired by the big clubs
As reported by various outlets, Zubimendi previously turned down a move to Liverpool in favour of remaining at his boyhood club, but has now opted to join Arsenal to the delight of supporters. The club have held a long-standing interest in the 26-year-old, and his signing has generated excitement around the qualities he is expected to bring to Mikel Arteta’s midfield.
A player admired by Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool, Zubimendi possesses the blend of technical elegance and defensive grit that Arsenal’s midfield has lacked at times. His poise and composure on the ball are matched by tenacity off it, making him an ideal addition to an already talented squad.
Ødegaard could thrive with Zubimendi behind him
Of all Zubimendi’s attributes, it is his distribution and ability to progress play during the build-up phase that could have the most significant impact. This could particularly benefit captain Martin Ødegaard, who endured a challenging 2024-25 season marked by injuries and inconsistent form. Ødegaard’s struggles, including an ankle injury in September and the absences of key teammates like Bukayo Saka and Ben White, disrupted his rhythm. However, glimpses of his best form returned towards the end of the season, with two goal contributions in the final two league games.
Throughout the campaign, Ødegaard was often forced to drop deep to initiate play, limiting his effectiveness near goal. His strengths lie in operating closer to the box where he can utilise his creativity and vision. Zubimendi’s ability to resist the press and play early forward passes could keep Ødegaard higher up the pitch, receiving the ball in more dangerous areas and linking fluidly with Arsenal’s front line. His playing style is comparable to Jorginho’s, whose inclusion in the 2023-24 starting eleven coincided with some of the team’s most cohesive performances. While Thomas Partey also contributes in this area, Zubimendi’s added physicality and recovery pace may give Arsenal a more well-rounded option.
One possible tactical shift could involve Ødegaard operating as a traditional number 10 in a system featuring a double pivot of Zubimendi alongside either Partey or Declan Rice. Regardless of the formation, his arrival is likely to bring out the best in the Norwegian.
Some fans may underestimate the influence Zubimendi could have on this Arsenal side, but he looks set to be an outstanding addition.
Would you like to see Arsenal return to a double pivot with Ødegaard as a lone number 10 if Zubimendi arrives?
Benjamin Kenneth
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Rice works best as #8 but having him there gives us the flexibility to switch back to a double pivot at any time in the game.
I would no worry too much about Ødegaard. It is one poor season and I am guessing it was because he suffered the sort of injury that really needed more time but that was not possible in the middle of the season.
Zubimendi will make them an ideal midfield trio. He is the rare sort of deep play maker who can look after the defensive side of the game too.
If the club claim not to have enough funds for transfers why can’t they lauch a global fundraising project and see how much fans globally can support them.
We need an Odergaard upgrade?
What has he helped win for Arsenal?
Think the injury he suffered didn’t help
And last season and the season before?
You could actually say the same of any of them
You could Sue, couldn’t you?
How many times have I herd this deal is done and dusted.
Somewhere between there lays the truth
I love it when a wanted player chooses your club over other big clubs
I agree. I think Rice will play better with him too. Some of Rice’s best performances came when he played alongside Jorginho in 23/24 after that Dubai trip. We were beating teams by 3+ goals for a while there.I still remember that game when we completely outplayed Liverpool, beating them 3-1.Rice and Jorginho were our best players that game.
His reading of the game and ability to up the tempo of a game should benefit not only Odegaard, but also Rice, Saka and Martinelli. There’ll also be less need for Raya and the inverted LB to participate heavily in buildup. In fact, the inverted LB tactic which many on here despise 😂 could be abandoned or used less frequently within the game. He largely builds on his own at Real Sociedad.