Is Zubimendi Arsenal's Top Player?

Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal's summer signing from Real Sociedad, has emerged as a pivotal player for the Gunners, scoring six goals this season, a remarkable achievement for a defensive midfielder. Manager Mikel Arteta has referred to him as the club's "best player," underscoring Zubimendi's impact on the team's performance and attacking strategy since his arrival in July 2025.

Last updated: 06 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

As Martin Zubimendi continues to flourish in Arsenal's midfield, his performances have sparked significant discussions among fans and analysts alike. His scoring ability, particularly for a player in a traditionally defensive role, has added a new dimension to Arsenal's attack. Arteta's tactical decisions to utilise Zubimendi's offensive capabilities in conjunction with those of Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard have proven effective, leading to increased creativity and fluidity in the Gunners' gameplay.

Key takeaways

Martin Zubimendi has scored six goals this season for Arsenal, matching his total from his last two seasons at Real Sociedad.
Arteta considers Zubimendi to be Arsenal's "best player," highlighting his importance to the team's success.
Zubimendi's versatility allows him to contribute both defensively and offensively, aiding in build-up play and breaking down opposition defences.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey to Zubimendi's signing began in 2024 when Arsenal first explored a deal for him while negotiating for his Real Sociedad teammate, Mikel Merino. Here’s a brief timeline of key events:

Summer 2024: Initial discussions about Zubimendi commence during negotiations for Mikel Merino.
July 2025: Martin Zubimendi officially signs with Arsenal for £60 million.
October 2025: Zubimendi scores his sixth goal of the season, further solidifying his reputation as a key player.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Recent comments from Arteta have brought renewed attention to Zubimendi’s role within the team, emphasising his significant contributions to Arsenal's midfield and attack. Arteta's praise highlights the expectation of Zubimendi's continued development and impact as the season progresses.

What was already established

Prior to this season, Zubimendi was known primarily for his defensive capabilities at Real Sociedad. However, his ability to score goals and contribute to attacking plays has expanded his profile significantly since joining Arsenal. His versatility and intelligence on the pitch have been noted as key attributes that Arteta has sought to utilise in his tactical approach.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For Arsenal fans and local businesses, Zubimendi's performances have the potential to boost matchday attendance and merchandise sales, particularly if the Gunners continue to compete for titles. Success on the pitch often correlates with increased economic activity in the surrounding areas.

Businesses and jobs

The presence of a high-profile player like Zubimendi can influence Arsenal's brand value, attracting sponsors and partnerships that can benefit the club and its associated businesses. His success may also inspire youth academies and local clubs to focus on developing versatile players with similar skill sets.

Policy and regulation

As Zubimendi's profile grows, discussions may arise regarding player development and the importance of investing in young talent. This could prompt policy considerations around youth academies and training programmes within football clubs across the UK.

Numbers that matter

6 - Total goals scored by Zubimendi this season, equalling his total from the previous two seasons at Real Sociedad.
34 - Total appearances for Arsenal this season, the most of any outfield player.
£60 million - Transfer fee paid by Arsenal to secure Zubimendi's services.

Definitions and jargon buster

Defensive midfielder: A player whose primary role is to protect the defence by breaking up opposition attacks and maintaining possession of the ball.
Low block: A defensive strategy where the team sits deep in their half to frustrate attacking opposition players.
Fluidity in play: The ability of players to interchange positions and roles during a match, creating unpredictability for opponents.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the season progresses, Zubimendi's role will likely become even more critical, particularly as Arsenal competes in domestic and European competitions. Monitoring his performance and contributions in upcoming matches will be key.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Expect to see Zubimendi's influence on the pitch expand as his understanding of Arteta's tactics deepens. His ability to score and create chances could be pivotal in Arsenal's pursuit of silverware.

Signals to watch

Performance metrics such as goals, assists, and key passes from Zubimendi in upcoming fixtures.
Arteta's tactical adjustments and how they utilise Zubimendi's skill set.
Injury updates and fitness levels as the season continues.

Practical guidance

Do

Pay attention to Zubimendi's positioning during matches to understand his influence on both defence and attack.
Monitor Arsenal’s tactical evolution as they adapt to opposition strategies, particularly in high-stakes matches.

Don’t

Underestimate the importance of Zubimendi’s role in creating space and opportunities for other players.
Ignore the potential impact of his performances on Arsenal’s overall success this season.

Checklist

Watch for Zubimendi's goal-scoring opportunities in each match.
Observe how often he engages in build-up play and contributes defensively.
Track his interactions with other key players, such as Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Zubimendi's current form is impressive, the volatility of football means that performances can fluctuate. Factors such as injury, tactical shifts, and the form of other players could impact his effectiveness moving forward. Additionally, as teams adjust their strategies to counter his influence, it will be crucial to monitor how Zubimendi adapts to these challenges.

Bottom line

Martin Zubimendi's emergence as a key player for Arsenal underscores the importance of versatility in modern football. His ability to score and contribute defensively adds depth to Arsenal's squad, making him invaluable as they aim for success in both domestic and European competitions. As the season unfolds, Zubimendi's performance will likely play a significant role in determining Arsenal's fortunes.

FAQs

What position does Martin Zubimendi play?

Martin Zubimendi primarily plays as a defensive midfielder, but he has also demonstrated his ability to contribute offensively, scoring six goals this season.

How much did Arsenal pay for Zubimendi?

Arsenal signed Martin Zubimendi for £60 million, making him one of the club's marquee signings in recent years.

Why is Zubimendi considered Arsenal's best player?

His combination of defensive prowess, ability to score goals, and tactical intelligence has led Mikel Arteta to label him as Arsenal's "best player," highlighting his impact on the team's success.