Arsenal have managed to fix multiple squad issues from last season by recruiting key new faces in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners needed a midfielder who could be an enforcer in the middle of the park, allowing other midfielders and their forward line to work with more freedom.
They identified former Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi as the ideal player to fill that role and eventually signed him after a 12-month pursuit.
After a lot of waiting, the Spain international sealed his move to North London for a whopping £60m [$70m] transfer fee, after Mikel Arteta activated his release clause.
Zubimendi was chased by several clubs, including Real Madrid and Liverpool, but the 26-year-old was clear in his Arsenal objective.
In a recent interview, Zubimendi highlighted exactly how Arteta played a big role in helping him seal a move to the Emirates Stadium.
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“I don’t know what he saw in me, but I saw him as one of the top coaches in Europe,” Zubimendi explained.
“At the end of the day, I wanted a quality coach when I left Real Sociedad.
“I think I’ve found him. In the few days I’ve been here, I’ve seen how meticulous he is about every aspect of the game, so I think he’s the one.”
He also emphasised he’s learning a lot from Arteta already in preseason, “I think I’m going to try to do things I didn’t do before. Playing in that position, I’ll try to bring balance and provide the passing outlet that I’m known for.
“Beyond that, I’m sure he’ll ask me to do new things.”
Arteta reveals Zubimendi’s role in Arsenal’s stacked midfield
Zubimendi brings star quality to the Arsenal squad as he possesses stability, control and combativeness in the engine room.
The 26-year-old midfielder is an upgrade on Thomas Partey, who left the club this summer after his contract ran out.
Arteta was pretty clear in his demands and thoughts about the former La Real midfielder. When asked about his role, Arteta said, “No. 6. I’m really excited. As I said before, when you have him every single day, just around the building, in training sessions, seeing how he captures the information, and processes things on the pitch, it’s very impressive.
“I’m very, very happy to have him.”
According to FBref, Zubimendi looks like the ideal fit in the No.6 role, averaging 1.31 interceptions, 2.65 clearances, 1.36 blocks, and winning 1.64 aerial duels per 90 minutes in the 2024/25 La Liga campaign.
He featured in 44 matches for Real Sociedad across competitions last season and was a pivotal player for the Basque outfit.
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