While Martin Zubimendi recently scored for Spain during the international break, he is not primarily known for his goal-scoring ability.
Arsenal are reportedly optimistic that they have secured the final piece to complete their midfield puzzle.
Martin Zubimendi, widely regarded as one of the top defensive midfielders globally, has purportedly finalized his £60 million transfer from Real Sociedad, a move anticipated since January.
“He possesses a gifted footballing mind,” Spanish journalist Roberto Ramajo, external told BBC Sport. “He perceives on-field dynamics that elude others.”
“Zubimendi may not be a perfect 10 in any single aspect, but he consistently performs at an eight across the board. In the Premier League, he has the potential to elevate his game to a 10 in all areas.”
Ramajo refers to him as ‘el cerebro del futuro’ – the brain of the future.
The 26-year-old Spanish international reportedly turned down a move to Liverpool last summer and is now set to join their title rivals.
He is expected to integrate into a midfield three alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
What type of player are Arsenal acquiring, and what will be his role at the Emirates Stadium?
Martin Zubimendi’s open-play touches in the 2024-25 La Liga season
Zubimendi has made 236 appearances for Real Sociedad, his only club to date, scoring 10 goals.
However, he is not primarily a goalscorer, as his primary role is that of a defensive midfielder.
Real Sociedad employed various formations last season, predominantly a 4-1-4-1, with Zubimendi as the central pivot.
In La Liga during the 2024-25 season, he ranked among the top five central midfielders in successful passes, successful long passes, progressive passes, touches, tackles, interceptions, aerial duels won, and total distance of completed upfield passes (8.5km).
“He is not necessarily a technical virtuoso, nor does he particularly stand out for his vision, long-ball accuracy, or link-up play,” noted Ramajo, a Real Sociedad expert.
“He consistently delivers across all facets of a midfielder’s game and makes valuable contributions. This is what distinguishes him and has enabled him to excel at Real Sociedad since his introduction to the first team.”
“Martin possesses exceptional tactical acumen. He demonstrates an almost innate ability to occupy space on the pitch and exhibits a profound understanding of his team’s needs, enabling him to effectively support his teammates.”
“He has a fantastic reading of the game, because he’s very intelligent without the ball. I know he’s hailed with the ball, but I like him better off it.”
Martin Zubimendi was part of the Spain squad who won Euro 2024
Zubimendi has earned 19 caps for Spain and has been a consistent presence as the holding midfielder since Rodri’s injury in the Euro 2024 final against England.
When Rodri – who would go on to win the Ballon d’Or – was substituted at halftime in that match, many observers believed it would favor England.
However, Zubimendi delivered an impressive performance upon his introduction, ensuring that Spain did not suffer in Rodri’s absence and ultimately secured a 2-1 victory.
Spain’s manager, Luis de la Fuente, has lauded him as the second-best defensive midfielder in the world.
Zubimendi’s misfortune is that the top spot is occupied by Manchester City’s Rodri, with Spain typically fielding only one player in that specific position.
“Zubimendi, in contrast to Rodri, represents the brain of the future,” Ramajo stated. “My impression is that the City midfielder has already reached his peak and has limited room for further development.”
“Rodri excels at what he does, and he is exceptionally proficient at it. However, Zubimendi possesses similar qualities and still retains considerable potential for growth and improvement.”
“He is poised to follow the path once trodden by Rodri, making the transition to the Premier League, where a midfield player can truly hone his skills.”
Zubimendi capitalized on his opportunities within the Spain squad during Rodri’s injury absence, even contributing with some goals.
He scored twice in the 2024-25 Nations League campaign, in the group stage against Denmark and in the final defeat to Portugal.
During the Nations League knockout stages in 2025, he ranked fifth in passes and successful passes, second in interceptions, and seventh in tackles.
Zubimendi’s impressive form reportedly prompted speculation that Real Madrid, under the management of Xabi Alonso, might attempt to hijack the transfer.
The appeal would have been significant, given Alonso’s shared background with Zubimendi, having both emerged from the same youth academy – Antiguoko – and also played for Real Sociedad and Spain in the same number six role.
However, Zubimendi had his sights set on Arsenal, where he is likely to assume the position previously held by Thomas Partey.
Partey’s Arsenal contract expired last Monday. He was charged on Thursday with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, all of which he denies.
The 32-year-old Ghana international made 35 Premier League appearances for Arsenal last season, primarily in central midfield. Jorginho, who has left the club and joined Flamengo, started nine.
While Zubimendi is tipped to replace Partey in the Gunners’ lineup, another contender will be Denmark midfielder Christian Norgaard, who is reportedly set to join from Brentford.
Ramajo stated: “One of Zubimendi’s aspirations is to play in the United Kingdom, as a genuine Premier League enthusiast. And if he is going to depart from the club of his life, it is preferable to realize a dream.”
“[At Arsenal], he will not be subjected to the excessive pressure that would have been placed upon him had he remained in La Liga, where his every action would have been scrutinized.”
While Partey tended to drift towards the right flank more often for Arsenal (although he also played at right-back on occasion), Zubimendi has shown a propensity to operate on both sides, with a slight inclination towards the left.
Rice played in the number six role for West Ham but usually appears further forward for Arsenal in a midfield three with Odegaard.
Zubimendi’s acquisition might afford him even greater freedom to roam, given the Basque player’s superior mobility compared to Partey, coupled with his defensive focus.
The Spaniard was more involved in his own half than Partey last season, with 56% of touches to Partey’s 48%.
Only 27% of his passes ended up in the final third, compared with 32% of Partey’s.
However, Ramajo stated: “He is a player capable of bringing the ball out from the back with great composure, adept at breaking through pressure lines with incisive passes and exhibiting courageous skills, as Zubimendi is, above all, a forward-thinking player.”
“He possesses a crucial attribute: he performs at his best when surrounded by high-caliber teammates, and he also elevates the performance of those around him.”
“I anticipate that his style will seamlessly adapt to the demands of the Premier League, and it has the potential to solidify his position among the elite players on the continent.”
Arsenal will hope their summer spending is not finished yet, with a proper striker on the agenda – which could also affect how their midfielders play.
A version of this article was first published on 17 June 2025
Thomas Partey’s open-play touches in the 2024-25 Premier League season
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