Arsenal close in on Martin Zubimendi signing for £51m - SCOUTED

Arsenal will sign Zubimendi in the summer after agreeing personal terms.

Arsenal have decided to pursue a move for Martin Zubimendi for the summer of 2025. As per the reliable, Sami Mokbel’s exclusive on Mail Sport the deal is virtually complete. Arteta has been a key factor in convincing the Spanish midfielder having courted him for over 12 months. Arsenal will either activate his release clause or pay above the release clause to stagger the payments according to Fabrizio Romano.

Scout Report

Player Overview

• Name: Martín Zubimendi Ibáñez

• Date of Birth: 2 February 1999

• Nationality: Spanish

• Club: Real Sociedad (La Liga)

• Position: Defensive Midfielder / Deep-Lying Playmaker

• Preferred Foot: Right

Martín Zubimendi is a standout product of Real Sociedad’s famed Zubieta academy. Over the past few seasons, he has grown into a pivotal figure in the Basque club’s midfield, showcasing advanced tactical understanding, technical proficiency, and leadership qualities beyond his years. His composure on the ball and ability to read the game make him an enticing prospect for top-tier European teams seeking a modern “number 6” or deep-lying playmaker.

---

Key Attributes

1. Ball Progression & Distribution

• Passing Range:
  Zubimendi is adept at a variety of passes—short, crisp exchanges in tight spaces and longer diagonals to switch play. His vertical passing often helps break opponent lines, quickly transforming defense into attack.

• First Touch & Composure:
  Possesses a smooth first touch, enabling him to maneuver the ball away from pressing opponents. He rarely panics under duress, which is invaluable in high-intensity leagues.

2. Tactical Intelligence & Positioning

• Awareness & Spatial Control:
  One of Zubimendi’s biggest strengths is his ability to read the flow of the match. He positions himself to be the primary passing outlet for defenders and can also anticipate threats when the opposition is on the ball.

• Game Management:
  He recognizes when to speed up play with quick distribution or when to slow the tempo and reset. This sense of rhythm helps his team maintain control in crucial moments.

• Covering Ground:
  Though not the fastest midfielder, he compensates with excellent reading of the game, allowing him to intercept passes and provide cover in the right areas.

3. Defensive Contribution

• Interceptions & Tackling:
  Zubimendi’s approach is proactive rather than reactive. He identifies passing lanes early and executes timely interceptions, cutting off opposition attacks before they fully develop.

• Pressing Triggers:
  He coordinates the press effectively, cueing teammates to step forward while he plugs gaps behind them. His willingness to step out of the defensive line and challenge carriers can force mistakes.

• Work Rate & Discipline:
  Maintains disciplined positioning, rarely abandoning his midfield zone. His consistent work rate means he is often found supporting the fullbacks or covering for forward-minded teammates.

4. Psychological & Leadership Traits

• Mental Fortitude:
  Calm under pressure, whether pressed near his own box or in high-stakes matches. He regularly demands the ball, signifying confidence and a desire to dictate play.

• Team Player:
  Unselfish in his approach, focusing on linking defense and attack rather than seeking individual accolades. He holds himself to high standards and is seen rallying teammates on the pitch.

---

Areas for Growth

1. Physical Presence & Aerial Ability

   • While not weak, he could benefit from added upper-body strength to handle the Premier League’s physical demands. Improving his aerial game would also help in defensive set pieces and midfield duels.

2. Goal Contributions

   • His primary role at Real Sociedad is as an anchor and facilitator, resulting in modest goal and assist stats. Developing more assertive forward runs or honing his long-range shooting could make him a bigger threat in the final third.

3. Sustained Performance Over 90 Minutes

   • Although his stamina is improving, the tempo in the Premier League can be unforgiving. Maintaining peak levels of concentration and physical output for the entire match is crucial for a deep-lying midfielder in England.

---

What He Could Bring to Arsenal

1. Immediate Successor or Complement to Current Midfield Options

• Arsenal’s midfield under Mikel Arteta typically operates with a controlling “6” who drops between the center-backs to start the build-up. Zubimendi’s skill set closely aligns with this role:

  • For Thomas Partey / Jorginho: He offers a smoother distribution style and a Spanish-school emphasis on retaining possession. With both Partey and Jorginho likely to leave this summer, Zubimendi is a clear upgrade on both.

  • This is how he compares to both:

    

    

  • Compatibility with Declan Rice / Ødegaard: Zubimendi’s presence as a deep-lying playmaker would free more advanced midfielders (like Ødegaard) to operate higher up the pitch. If paired with a box-to-box player like Rice, Zubimendi’s composure at the base would allow Rice to press aggressively and join attacks without leaving the back line exposed.

2. Enhanced Build-Up and Control

• Press Resistance:
  Arsenal often faces high-pressing opponents, especially in top-six clashes. Zubimendi’s ability to receive under pressure, evade challenges, and accurately distribute the ball would be a major asset in overcoming the press.

• Smooth Transitions:
  He excels at quick link-up play and vertical passes through the lines. This can help Arsenal maintain fluidity and exploit the pace of their forward line and dynamic wide players.

3. Tactical Versatility & Depth

• Zubimendi can operate as a single pivot in a 4-3-3 or partner in a double pivot in a 4-2-3-1, giving Arteta flexibility in adjusting to different match situations.

• His intelligence and discipline make him viable in high-intensity matches where Arsenal need a stable base. He can drop deep to form a temporary back three in possession (similar to how Guardiola’s and Arteta’s systems often function).

4. Cultural & Stylistic Fit

• Spanish Influence & Possession Focus:
  Zubimendi’s familiarity with La Liga’s technical, possession-oriented play should align well with Arteta’s philosophy. The Spanish connection could also ease adaptation off the field.

• Long-Term Growth:
  At just 24-25 years old, he still has room to develop physically and evolve tactically. Under Arteta’s guidance, he could become a mainstay in Arsenal’s midfield for years.

---

Projection & Conclusion

Martín Zubimendi projects as one of Europe’s most refined defensive midfielders in the coming years. His advanced distribution, positional intelligence, and composure under pressure mark him out as a prime candidate for a top Premier League side.

At Arsenal, he would:

• Provide a stable passing hub to dictate tempo.

• Fit seamlessly into a high-possession, quick-transition system.

• Strengthen midfield depth and competition, ensuring top performances week in, week out.

He would also allow Mikel Arteta to try his diamond formation with Zubimendi as the DLP inverting from Right Back:

Arteta has previously tried this formation against Nottingham Forest in 2023, however a Jurrien Timber ACL injury and Thomas Partey’s physical decline saw it never tried again. Here it is in action:

If he continues to refine his physical attributes and adds an extra layer of attacking output, Zubimendi could develop into one of the Premier League’s standout pivot midfielders—capable of anchoring an ambitious Arsenal side competing domestically and in Europe.