Arsenal seem to have made major progress in their summer pursuits, with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi reportedly a certainty to move to the Emirates Stadium. News of the player agreeing terms broke out a few weeks ago, but he insisted on completing the season with La Real, meaning the Gunners will have to wait it out until the summer.
The reports added that Zubimendi would leave after Arsenal plan to trigger his €60 million release clause in the summer, leaving Real Sociedad with no choice but to part with their player. The 26-year-old is predominantly a deep-lying central midfielder, who can play the role of a lone 6 as well as part of a double-pivot. His addition would help the Gunners transition from the ageing Jorginho.
Martin Zubimendi was extensively linked with a move to Liverpool for the entirety of the 2024 summer transfer window. However, the player had a change of heart at the 11th hour and chose to stay on with Real Sociedad. It remains to be seen whether he stays consistent with his decision this time around.
Why is Martin Zubimendi unique?
There are very few players in world football who can play the role of a lone 6 in midfield, and even fewer who can do so at a club competing for silverware. Rodri has been one of the best examples of a player excelling in the role and making it their own, and is also the current Ballon d’Or holder for his excellent performances for Manchester City and Spain in that role.
Tasked with mainly holding the team’s shape in midfield, the role of the ‘6’ is to help transitioning between defense to attack become much smoother. These players usually play quick passes to players in space to keep the game flowing, and also sometimes play lobbed passes to release wingers into space. Defensively, they may even drop between the two central defenders to fortify the backline.
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What makes Zubimendi unique is his experience in playing the lone 6 for Real Sociedad for the last few years, while the club have consistently been finishing close to the top of the table in LaLiga. Aged just 26, he has at least five or six more years at the top level and can become one of the best midfielders in the world if he joins Arsenal.
