Arsenal fans will witness their new midfielder, Martin Zubimendi, in action for the first time on Wednesday, a year after the Gunners initiated the deal to bring him to the club.
The 26-year-old, regarded as one of Europe's top defensive midfielders, played his initial minutes for Arsenal in a closed-door friendly against Watford last Saturday. However, his first public appearance since his £60 million transfer from Real Sociedad earlier this month is anticipated against AC Milan in Singapore.
Zubimendi is a familiar name to football enthusiasts, having been instrumental in Spain's victory over England in the Euro 2024 final. Last summer, he declined a move to Liverpool.
Unbeknownst to many at the time, Arsenal had already begun efforts to secure Zubimendi this summer after finalizing a deal for Mikel Merino.
"I think it was a well-orchestrated plan by the club and everyone involved to understand how we could achieve our goals in two different years simultaneously," said manager Mikel Arteta. "Both players were eager to join, which is crucial. Real Sociedad understood the situation and has been excellent."
Arteta was asked about Zubimendi's role, and without hesitation, he clarified why the player was brought to the club. "Six. Really excited," he said. "His ability to process information and perform on the pitch is impressive. I'm very happy to have him."
'It Wasn't an Easy Time'
Zubimendi admits that last summer was challenging, as he contemplated his future amid intense transfer speculation. "The first question was whether I wanted to leave Real, and it wasn't the right time," he explained. "Real offered me more opportunities and I still had a lot to learn there."
After speaking with Arteta, Zubimendi was impressed by the manager's attention to detail, which influenced his decision to join Arsenal. "I wanted a top-quality coach when I left Real Sociedad, and I believe I've found him in Arteta," he said. "I've already learned a lot from him and aim to bring balance and provide a passing outlet in my new role."
'We Didn't Touch That Subject'
Zubimendi spoke to reporters alongside teammate Merino at Arsenal's away kit launch in Singapore. Despite following Merino to the Emirates Stadium, the two didn't discuss reuniting during their year apart. "We were focused on our respective challenges," said Merino, who also plays with Zubimendi for Spain.
The signing of Zubimendi, along with Christian Norgaard from Brentford, means Merino faces increased competition for a starting spot, with Declan Rice and captain Martin Odegaard also in the mix. "The quality and talent in our squad, especially in midfield, is incredible," Merino remarked. "It's vital to have a deep squad to handle injuries and rotations."
'We Need to Learn from Previous Seasons'
Zubimendi's signing is seen as a statement by Arsenal, with hopes that he will help usher in a new era of success. "The club must learn from past seasons," he said. "The lessons from last season will be crucial for achieving this year's goals. Details make the difference, especially in the Champions League, and Arsenal was the only team that truly challenged PSG in the semi-final."
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