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Zubimendi to Arsenal a Done Deal? Why Gooners Should Get Excited About Arteta’s Missing Piece

By on February 25, 2025

Martin Zubimendi

As the summer transfer window approaches, Arsenal is reportedly setting its sights on Real Sociedad’s midfield maestro, Martín Zubimendi. The 26-year-old Spanish international has been pivotal for his club this season, showcasing a blend of defensive solidity and playmaking prowess that has caught the attention of top European clubs.​

Martín Zubimendi’s Standout 2024/25 Season

In the 2024/2025 La Liga campaign, Zubimendi has been a cornerstone for Real Sociedad, perennial underdogs in Spanish football. His statistics reflect a player deeply involved in both defensive duties and the orchestration of play from deep positions. Over 24 league appearances, he has accumulated 2,074 minutes on the pitch, contributing one goal and one assist.

While these numbers might seem modest, his influence extends far beyond direct goal contributions. Zubimendi boasts an impressive passing accuracy of 83.53%, completing 1,196 passes with an average of 54.25 passes per game. His defensive metrics are equally commendable, with 54 tackles, 30 interceptions, and 51 clearances, underscoring his role as a midfield anchor.

In European competitions, specifically the UEFA Europa League, Zubimendi’s consistency remains evident. He has featured in seven matches, amassing 513 minutes of play. During these outings, he maintained a passing accuracy of 84.86%, completing 291 out of 329 attempted passes. His defensive contributions include five tackles and 21 ball recoveries, highlighting his ability to disrupt opposition play and regain possession efficiently.

Why Zubimendi Fits Arsenal’s Blueprint

While Arsenal remains heavy betting favourites in this year’s EPL title run, their midfield has long been a topic of discussion. Gooners have been loud about the need for a player who can seamlessly blend defensive responsibilities with the ability to initiate attacks. Zubimendi’s profile aligns perfectly with this requirement.

His vision and composure under pressure make him adept at transitioning play from defence to attack, a trait that manager Mikel Arteta highly values. Moreover, Zubimendi’s tactical intelligence allows him to read the game effectively, positioning himself to intercept passes and break up opposition plays.​

His proficiency in maintaining possession and distributing the ball aligns with Arsenal’s philosophy of building play from the back. Additionally, his defensive acumen provides a shield for the backline, allowing more creative midfielders the freedom to advance. Zubimendi’s experience in European competitions also adds a layer of pedigree, bringing a wealth of experience to Arsenal’s midfield.​

Arsenal’s Motivation Behind the Pursuit

The Gunners’ interest in Zubimendi is driven by a combination of tactical necessity and strategic planning. With the departure of key midfielders and the need to inject fresh energy into the squad, Zubimendi emerges as a prime candidate.

His age also aligns with Arsenal’s approach of building a squad with a balance of youth and experience. Furthermore, his leadership qualities, evident from his performances with Real Sociedad, suggest he could play a pivotal role in mentoring younger talents within the team.

Financially, while top-tier midfielders often come with hefty price tags, Zubimendi’s reported release clause of €60 million presents a feasible investment for Arsenal, considering the potential long-term benefits he offers. ​

Arsenal’s Odds of Landing Zubimendi

As Arsenal’s pursuit of Real Sociedad’s midfield dynamo continues to intensify, the chances of Zubimendi playing at Emirates Stadium next season are becoming very real. This potential acquisition has not only excited the fanbase but also caught the attention of bookmakers and betting enthusiasts.

With Arsenal leading the way as Zubimendi’s most likely destination, the speculation surrounding Zubimendi’s future has led to the emergence of various betting markets. Punters can engage in several types of wagers related to this high-profile transfer:​

  • Next Club Betting – This market allows bettors to stake on which club Zubimendi will join next. With Arsenal leading the race, odds have been adjusted to reflect their frontrunner status.​
  • Transfer Window Specials – Bettors can wager on whether Zubimendi’s transfer will occur during the upcoming summer window or be postponed to a later date.​
  • Stay or Go Bets – This involves betting on whether Zubimendi will remain at Real Sociedad beyond the current transfer window.

As Arsenal pushes for the title, every match becomes a high-stakes affair—not just on the pitch but also in the betting markets. Fans looking to wager on Arsenal’s performances have plenty of options, from moneyline bets and goal totals to player props and Same Game Parlays (SGPs). Whether you’re betting on Arsenal to land Zubimendi this summer or the Gunners win the EPL this season, all of these betting markets add an extra layer of excitement to every game.

Arsenal’s 2024/25 Premier League Standings and Title Prospects

At the time of writing, Arsenal sits second in the Premier League standings with 53 points from 26 matches, comprising 15 wins, 8 draws, and 3 losses. They scored 51 goals and conceded 23, resulting in a goal difference of +28, second only to league leaders Liverpool who have amassed 64 points from 27 matches, giving them an 11-point cushion over the Gunners.

Despite the point gap, Arsenal’s recent form has been commendable. In the calendar year 2025, they have secured 14 points from six matches, making them one of the most in-form teams in the league.

However, Liverpool’s consistency poses a significant challenge. Manager Arne Slot has emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, acknowledging that while their lead is substantial, the Premier League’s unpredictability necessitates sustained performance levels.

For Arsenal to bridge the gap, they would need to capitalize on any slip-ups from Liverpool while maintaining consistency in their performances.