All the talk at present when it comes to Arsenal is about the potential addition of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in the summer transfer market. It’s no surprise to see the Slovenian dominate the headlines as he has the potential to be a game-changing signing for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Arsenal’s lack of a quality striker has been well documented and hopefully the 22-year-old will be the man to score the all important goals if he signs. Sesko will not be the only arrival at the Emirates Stadium this summer as the Gunners also require further additions to help take the big step required when it comes to winning major silverware season after season.
The arrival of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi could be another important deal when it comes to Arsenal potentially adding to their trophy cabinet. The 26-year-old has earned rave reviews since coming through Sociedad’s academy and he has since gone on to star for the Spanish national team.
football.london understands that Arsenal are long admirers of the 26-year-old, who has a release clause in his contract worth €60million (£52.3million). The north London club have been keeping a close eye on the midfielder over the past two years and Arteta is said to be a big fan of his fellow countryman.
football.london also understands that Arsenal are under the assumption that they’ll successfully secure his signature. Amid all the talk regarding Sesko right now, we have decided to take a look at what has been said about Zubimendi and it will surely whet the appetite of all Arsenal fans ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente delivered high praise for Zubimendi in October
“Well, simply, we know he’s a footballer who is a safe bet, always plays with a lot of calmness and tranquillity, always with great judgment,” he said, as reported by Liverpool Echo. “I think especially that it was in the second half when we were all playing better, and I don’t know if he was better because the whole team was better, or the whole team was better because he was better. In short, I insist, he’s always a safe bet, gives you everything you ask for, and he has fantastic talent.
“He doesn’t score many goals, but with us, he seems to be starting to get going, so we celebrate that and hopefully this continues. He’s a great player. I’ve already said that for me you know that he’s one of the best, the second best in the world along with Rodrigo [Rodri].”
Arsenal left-back Kiernan Tierney on playing with Zubimendi at Real Sociedad
“You have world-class players like [Martín] Zubimendi, [Mikel] Merino, Brais [Méndez],” he said in an interview with The Guardian. “It’s not that people don’t think they’re good; it’s just that if you’re only watching the Premier League every week, it’s hard to know. They’re world class, and for so many to come from the academy is incredible.”
Barcelona great Xavi dished out the Zubimendi praise
“I like all of Real Sociedad. They mirror a bit our style of play,” he explained (via Mundo Deportivo). “Zubimendi is an extraordinary defensive midfielder, he understands the model we like at Barca, he dominates with and without the ball.”
Xabi Alonso on what makes Zubimendi so good
“Martin’s a player all coaches would want,” admitted Alonso (via The Guardian), who coached the player during his time in charge of Real Sociedad B. “He’s generous, he always thinks more about his teammates than himself. He has that ability to generate play, to make those around him better, always offering solutions; to improve the move.
“He understands what the next step is before the ball gets to him. He has that ability to organise, the axis. I loved working with him.”
