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Why did Arsenal spend nearly 70 million euros on Zubimendi?

After many seasons of building a methodical and in-depth squad, Arsenal seems ready to make a complete breakthrough in the new season.

ZNewsZNews07/07/2025

Zubimendi is highly anticipated at Arsenal.

And the name that Mikel Arteta trusts to complete the midfield frame is none other than Martin Zubimendi - a defensive midfielder dubbed by Spanish experts as "el cerebro del futuro" - the brain of the future.

Not loud, but just what Arsenal needed

In a summer when the media is talking about attacking superstars, Arsenal chose Zubimendi - a quiet name, playing in a not-so-flashy position. But it is this silence that makes this 26-year-old player the perfect piece for Arteta's machine.

Zubimendi is not the type of midfielder who will make people jump out of their seats with long-range shots or fancy dribbles. But he is the link-up man, the steadiness and the balance that any big team needs, especially when Arsenal are looking to compete for the long haul.

At Real Sociedad, Zubimendi played more than 230 games - and barely had a season that was below par. In the 2024/25 La Liga season, he was in the top 5 central midfielders in a series of statistics: from successful passes, long passes, tackles, interceptions to duels won. It was the clearest proof of the type of player who "does it all and does it well".

What makes Zubimendi stand out is not the numbers. It is the way he reads the game, distributes the ball and controls space intelligently. Ramajo - a writer who follows Sociedad closely - once said: "He is not the best at any skill, but he is almost perfect in all the basic skills. That is rare."

Zubimendi anh 1

What makes Zubimendi stand out is not the numbers. It's the way he reads the game, distributes the ball and controls space intelligently.

At Arsenal, Zubimendi was expected to replace Thomas Partey, who left the club amid turmoil. But more than a replacement, Zubimendi brought a different approach: more modern, more mobile and more tactically oriented.

With his ability to hold a solid position, move the ball from deep into the box and press effectively, he will provide a platform for Declan Rice to have more freedom in a box-to-box role, while Odegaard focuses on creating up front.

Not Rodri - but a worthy successor

At the national team level, Zubimendi was overshadowed by Rodri. But it was when the Man City midfielder was injured in the Euro 2024 final that Zubimendi stepped into the spotlight and helped Spain win the championship with an impeccable performance.

He is not Rodri - who has peaked and probably will not go further - but the version that can continuously develop. "Rodri is the present, Zubimendi is the future" - that is not only a compliment, but also the truth of what Zubimendi is showing.

In the 2024/25 Nations League, Zubimendi not only held the midfield firmly but also scored 2 goals - a rare thing for a holding midfielder - showing that he still has untapped attacking potential.

Zubimendi anh 2

At Real Sociedad, Zubimendi played over 230 games - and had almost no seasons of poor form.

Choosing Arsenal over Real Madrid was a decision that made a lot of sense. Zubimendi left the club he had been with all his career - Real Sociedad - for a tougher, more pressured environment but also full of opportunities to reach his potential.

At the Emirates, he will not be under the same scrutiny as in La Liga, but will be operating in a modern system, with a coach who used to be the most intelligent midfielder in Mikel Arteta. And more importantly, Zubimendi will play alongside excellent teammates - from Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard to the strikers above - the ideal conditions for him to develop further.

Arsenal are still looking for a proper centre-forward to complete their squad, but tactically, signing Zubimendi is a key move. He's not just a replacement for Partey - he's a fulcrum for the whole system to function more smoothly.

Not as loud as the blockbuster attacks, but Zubimendi is the kind of contract that makes every big team jealous - a player who simplifies football, and elevates the team with top-notch thinking.

With Zubimendi, Arsenal not only added a position, but perhaps found the "brain" for the journey to conquer new heights.

Source: https://znews.vn/vi-sao-arsenal-chi-gan-70-trieu-euro-cho-zubimendi-post1566636.html


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