Given the way Martin Zubimendi dictates Arsenal’s midfield, it’s no surprise he once mastered the chessboard too.
Before controlling the Premier League’s centre circles, the Spaniard was crowned Gipuzkoa Under-12 Chess Champion, a title that hinted at the same strategic calm and foresight now defining his football career.
Since his £60 million summer move from Real Sociedad, the 26-year-old has slotted seamlessly into Mikel Arteta’s setup — orchestrating Arsenal’s play with composure that belies his short time in England.
Zubimendi’s performances have been so polished that even fellow new arrival Eberechi Eze, himself impressive, admits the Spaniard has been the standout addition of the window.
A natural fit at Arsenal’s heart
Zubimendi’s transition to English football has been near flawless. He’s missed just one league start, and even when named on the bench — as against West Ham — he came on to dominate the game after Martin Ødegaard’s injury.
His impact was immediate: two direct involvements in Arsenal’s goals and a passing masterclass that changed the tempo. Supporters quickly saw why Arteta and former sporting director Edu waited a full year to land their man.
“It’s a game that requires you to have everything under control,” Zubimendi once said of chess. “In both sports, the midfield is crucial because it defines the style of play.” — Martin Zubimendi, interview earlier this year
That cerebral approach has made him indispensable at the base of Arsenal’s midfield — calm in tight spaces, alert defensively, and bold in progression.
Tactical influence and statistical dominance
Zubimendi ranks second among Arsenal players for successful passes, third for passes in the final third, and third for chances created from open play.
Defensively, he’s second in the squad for possessions won, interceptions, and tackles — metrics that show he’s more than just a deep-lying playmaker.
| Stat (2025/26) | Martin Zubimendi |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 10 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 0 |
| Pass Accuracy | 90 % |
source: sofascore match data – 15 October 2025
He’s also winning admirers for his aerial prowess — a clip of him out-jumping Dan Burn went viral — and has more aerial wins than all but three Arsenal players: Gabriel, Viktor Gyökeres, and William Saliba.
The signing Arsenal refused to rush
Arsenal’s recruitment team knew Zubimendi was worth waiting for.
When Real Sociedad refused to sell both Zubimendi and Mikel Merino last year, Edu and assistant Jason Ayto quietly arranged a deal for 2025 instead. Their foresight paid off: even after Xabi Alonso, Zubimendi’s idol, took charge at Real Madrid, a move to Spain was never an option.
That long-term planning has been vindicated. In a start to the season that’s already included trips to Anfield, Old Trafford, and St. James’ Park, Zubimendi has not just coped — he’s excelled.
Analyst verdict – Arsenal’s midfield general arrives
In my view, Zubimendi represents Arsenal’s next great midfield anchor. He combines the poise of Xabi Alonso with the positional awareness of Rodri — a rare blend of brain and bite that has elevated the team’s control in big games.
FootballPlace analyst Liam Rowe adds:
“Arsenal needed a conductor, not another soloist. Zubimendi gives them balance and rhythm. You can see why they waited; this is the type of signing that changes a team’s ceiling.”
Key insights
- Zubimendi has justified Arsenal’s £60m investment with elite performances.
- Excels both defensively and in build-up play — second in team for possessions won.
- Out-jumped Dan Burn in viral aerial duel, showing physical adaptability.
- Arsenal waited a full year to sign him due to Sociedad’s stance.
- Former chess prodigy who applies tactical intelligence to football.
What’s next for Zubimendi and Arsenal?
Arsenal return to Premier League action against Fulham on 18 October, followed by a Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid on 21 October. With Martin Ødegaard nursing an ankle injury, Zubimendi could become even more central to Arteta’s plans.
If early signs are any indication, Arsenal’s £60m gamble has already paid off — and Zubimendi’s reign as the Gunners’ midfield mastermind is just beginning.
👉 Is Martin Zubimendi already Arsenal’s most complete midfielder since Santi Cazorla?
1 Comment (last comment by Adem)
First read message
By Adem 15 Oct 2025 15:09
he's good but nothing special right, I mean there're better players than him in the league.
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