How Arsenal will line up with Martin Zubimendi

Cameron Smith

Updated: 14 Jan 2025 13:25 CST
4 min read

Arsenal are reportedly close to finalising an agreement to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer.

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 25-year-old.

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However, Zubimendi rejected the chance to join the Anfield outfit in favour of remaining at Real Sociedad for a further 12 months.

Arsenal are long-term admirers of the Spain midfielder, as revealed by FootballTransfers nearly a year ago, and they are now on the verge of reaching an agreement for Zubimendi to join the club this summer.

That is according to The Daily Mail, who report that a deal is “virtually completed.”

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?

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© IMAGO - Martin Zubimendi is set to join Arsenal this summer

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 and Jurrien Timber are arguably the most likely candidates to be given a starting berth, however, with Riccardo Calafiori set to miss out.

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.

Current ETV

Martín Zubimendi

DM, M (C)

Real Sociedad

Martín Zubimendi

DM, M (C)

Real Sociedad

ETV Range

€22M - €36.7M

In addition to Zubimendi, Arsenal will also look to sign at least one new forward in 2025, with Nico Williams and Benjamin Sesko 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 forward roster.