Arsenal's Basque Revolution: Arteta is shaping the Gunners in his image

Steve Kay

Updated: 22 Mar 2025 12:42 CDT
4 min read

Arsenal’s future is shaping up to have a strong Basque influence, thanks to manager Mikel Arteta.

Born in Donostia-San Sebastian, Arteta is keen to bring in players from his homeland to help build a squad that reflects his footballing philosophy.

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The quality of life in San Sebastian is incredible. The education we get, the way we look after our city and the passion for football that you can breathe everywhere you go. In the region, you have Real Sociedad, Athletic Bilbao and Eibar. All those teams really take care of their academy players. They do great work to raise talent and it’s not a coincidence that a lot of players have come through from that area.

- Mikel Arteta

Donostia is located in Gipuzkoa. It is Spain's smallest province yet miraculously produces footballers at a stunning rate. Arteta famously played in the same youth team, Antiguoko, as Xabi Alonso and Andoni Iraola.

Gipuzkoa has left a lasting impression on Premier League - and European - football. In addition to Arteta and Bournemouth boss Iraola, Unai Emery and former Wolves and West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui also hail from the area.

The Basque country is a hotbed of football and is renowned for the exceptional education players receive at its foremost sides Real Sociedad and Athletic Club from Bilbao.

Unsurprisingly, then, Arteta has increasingly turned to players with a Basque connection as he seeks to shape Arsenal in his image.

Arsenal's growing Basque contingent

In midfield, Mikel Merino has already made an impact since joining Arsenal in the summer. The 28-year-old was born in Pamplona, the capital of the Basque Country's neighbouring region of Navarre. However, Merino really kickstarted his career upon moving to Donostia.

After an ill-fated stint at Dortmund and a promising season at Newcastle, he joined Arteta's former club Real Sociedad due to having grown homesick. He established himself as one of LaLiga's best midfielders during his time in San Sebastian.

Merino is known for his vision, passing, and work rate. He has increasingly added a surprising goal-scoring touch to his game, leading some fans to joke that he could regularly play as a much-needed striker.

Next on Arteta’s list is Martin Zubimendi, the highly-rated defensive midfielder from Real Sociedad. At 26, he’s seen as one of Spain’s best talents and is often compared to Manchester City’s Rodri.

Arsenal have been in advanced talks with the Spanish International for a while, but convincing Basque players to leave their homeland is never easy. However, with Arteta and Merino - as well as Spaniard David Raya - already in North London, Zubimendi would have a strong support system if he made the move.

The most exciting target, however, is Nico Williams, the 22-year-old winger from Athletic Bilbao, who famously only sign players with Basque roots. One of La Liga’s standout performers, Williams is known for his blistering speed, dribbling, and direct attacking style.

Like Zubimendi, he’s deeply connected to Basque football, making a transfer challenging. But if Arsenal can bring in more Basque players, the environment might feel familiar enough to convince him.

Even Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard has a connection to the Basque Country. During his loan spell at Real Sociedad in 2020-21, he thrived in their system, which emphasizes quick passing and tactical discipline. That experience has helped shape him into the creative leader he is today, another reason why Basque players would feel at home at Arsenal.

I'm Basque, total Basque.

- Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso

Arteta is tapping into the Basque region’s deep footballing culture, known for producing technically gifted, hardworking, and tactically smart players. While leaving their homeland is never easy for Basque stars, the growing presence of familiar faces at Arsenal could make the transition smoother.

Mikel Arteta’s connection to Basque football was also evident when he sent Kieran Tierney on loan to Real Sociedad for the 2023-24 season. Tierney was struggling for game time at Arsenal and Arteta convinced the Scot to move to Donostia despite the fact that he also had other options.

With the Gunners aiming for major trophies, this Basque revolution could be just beginning. Expect to see more top talents from the region making their way to the Emirates soon.