Breaking: Arsenal Set to Sign £51m Midfielder with Deal to be ‘Finalised’ | OneFootball

Arsenal to Sign £51m Martin Zubimendi: A Midfield Revolution Underway

Arsenal’s transfer strategy under Mikel Arteta continues to target midfield dominance, and the £51m acquisition of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad underscores their ambitions. As The Daily Mail reported, the deal to bring the Spanish midfield maestro to North London is nearly finalised. Despite immediate concerns in Arsenal’s attack, Arteta has prioritised fortifying his engine room.

Strengthening Arsenal’s Midfield Arsenal’s pursuit of Zubimendi reflects their long-term vision for the midfield. With Jorginho and Thomas Partey nearing the end of their contracts, the club is taking proactive measures. Zubimendi, a Euro 2024 winner, is seen as a crucial piece in Arteta’s tactical puzzle.

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Arteta spoke about the club’s broader recruitment strategy: “We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad. It’s an opportunity to improve the squad. Let’s see what we can do.”

Zubimendi’s arrival could redefine Arsenal’s midfield dynamics. While Declan Rice has thrived since his high-profile move, Zubimendi’s role as a deep-lying playmaker might see Rice adopt a more advanced role, adding another layer to Arsenal’s offensive strategy.

Balancing Attack and Defence

The timing of this signing raises eyebrows. Arsenal’s attacking unit is stretched thin with injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, yet their focus remains on midfield reinforcement. Critics argue that the funds spent on Zubimendi could have been directed toward a clinical striker.

Arsenal have also struggled to replace the output of Jesus. Kai Havertz, primarily a hybrid forward, has not provided the consistent goal-scoring threat needed to push Arsenal beyond their current limitations.

Photo: IMAGO

Real Sociedad’s Midfield Legacy

Zubimendi’s impending move highlights Real Sociedad’s influence on Arsenal’s recruitment. Mikel Merino, signed from the Basque club last summer, has already made an impact at the Emirates. With Zubimendi following suit, Arteta clearly values players developed within Sociedad’s disciplined system.

The 25-year-old expressed his deep connection to Sociedad earlier this year: “Real Sociedad for me is my life. A lot of what I am is part of Real, it’s my life.”

However, the allure of the Premier League, combined with Arteta’s vision, has evidently convinced Zubimendi to make the leap.

Photo: IMAGO

Immediate Impact Expected

Arsenal’s midfield transformation aims to build a foundation for long-term success. While Zubimendi’s signing is a statement of intent, Arteta faces immediate challenges. The Gunners, currently second in the Premier League, trail Liverpool by six points. With a crucial north London derby against Tottenham looming, Arsenal must balance their strategic rebuild with the need for short-term results.

As Arteta stated, “It would be naive not to look at improving the squad when opportunities arise.” Zubimendi’s arrival will undoubtedly strengthen Arsenal’s core, but fans will hope this is not at the expense of addressing glaring gaps in attack.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From an Arsenal fan’s perspective, the signing of Martin Zubimendi is an exciting yet calculated gamble. The Gunners have often been criticised for lacking depth in midfield, and this move addresses that concern. Zubimendi, a proven winner with Spain, brings a blend of composure and tactical intelligence that could elevate Arsenal’s play.

However, the timing of the transfer invites scrutiny. With Liverpool extending their lead at the top of the table, many supporters believe that bolstering the attack should have been the priority. Arsenal’s title aspirations hinge not only on midfield solidity but also on consistent goal-scoring output.

Nevertheless, Zubimendi’s partnership with Rice could prove transformative. If Arteta can strike the right balance, Arsenal may finally break their trophy drought. Optimistic fans are already dreaming of a midfield trio that combines Rice’s dynamism, Zubimendi’s control, and Ødegaard’s creativity, pushing the Gunners closer to glory.