How Arsenal will line up with Martin Zubimendi

Cameron Smith

Updated: 12 May 2025 11:30 BST
3 min read

Arsenal are set to make Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi their first signing of the 2025 summer transfer window.

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The Spain international was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool last year, with Arne Slot’s side determined to bolster their midfield core with the addition of the 26-year-old, but he snubbed the chance to join the Anfield outfit in favour of remaining at Real Sociedad for a further 12 months.

Current ETV

Martín Zubimendi

DM, M (C)

Real Sociedad

Martín Zubimendi

DM, M (C)

Real Sociedad

ETV Range

€51.4M - €62.8M

However, Zubimendi is now on the verge of leaving the Basque side in order to join Arsenal.

The Gunners are long-term admirers of the Spain midfielder, as revealed by FootballTransfers over a year ago, and he is set to become an Arsenal player this summer.

After months of negotiations, Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Zubimendi and he will become the club's first summer signing, as exclusively reported by FootballTransfers in early May.

Thomas Partey and Jorginho are both currently set to become free agents in July, and Arsenal have acted swiftly to arrange a deal for Zubimendi. But, how will the Spaniard fit in under Mikel Arteta?

How Arsenal will line up with Martin Zubimendi

Arsenal’s resolute backline won’t be affected by the addition of Zubimendi, although Arteta will still have a selection headache if everyone is fully fit.

David Raya, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are nailed-on starters, but the full-back positions are certainly up for debate. Ben White, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and Myles Lewis-Skelly are all in contention for a starting berth, although Arteta has favoured a pairing of Timber and Lewis-Skelly so far in 2025 and that could be set to continue.

With Partey and Jorginho set to depart, Zubimendi is expected to immediately become Arsenal’s new defensive midfielder. He will form an exciting trio alongside Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in the middle of the park, with Mikel Merino waiting in the wings.

© IMAGO - Martin Zubimendi will join Arsenal this summer

In addition to Zubimendi, Arsenal are expected to sign at least one new forward in 2025, with Athletic Club's Nico Williams and Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres both being heavily pursued.

However, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli will remain Arteta’s preferred attack if the Gunners aren’t able to add to their attacking roster for some reason.