Martín Zubimendi is getting used to life in London. He is relaxed and eager to prove himself. Martin Zubimendi knows he needs to adjust. But he does not subscribe to the view that Arsenal signed him to change his style of play. They signed him because they believe in his style of play.
New test, familiar face: Martin Zubimendi
Martin Zubimendi signed for Arsenal in July 2025 from Real Sociedad. The move was reportedly worth around €65 million after Arsenal exercised his release clause. He signed a long-term contract and was greeted in by old Real team-mate Mikel Merino. Merino had already signed for Arsenal and now assists Zubimendi in settling.
Martin Zubimendi was unveiled on 17 August 2025, in a 1–0 victory over Manchester United. On September 13, he netted his first goals — two against Nottingham Forest in a 3–0 victory. One of them was awarded Premier League Goal of the Month. His play was also rewarded with a nomination for Player of the Month. So far it is going good for Zubimendi.
“I must adapt” — but not change
In a recent interview, Zubimendi explained that coming to England is all about adapting. The pace is faster. The style is more dynamic. The cuts are more sudden. He concedes that he’ll have to modify certain things — like playing faster and being more explosive on one-on-ones. But he also insists that his basic profile won’t shift.
He says: “If I changed my profile, then I would be making an error”. In his own words: he needs to change, yes — but not remake himself.
He also implies that Arsenal‘s set-up gives him space to develop. Mikel Arteta is looking for him to play passes in the last moment, to break lines, to be dynamic.
Arteta doesn’t regard Zubimendi as just a sitting screen: he wants him to drive on when the time is right.
Spain faith, big-stage moments
Zubimendi has overseas experience. He came off the bench at half-time for Spain’s Euro 2024 final when Rodri was injured. He scored Spain’s first home goal after they lifted the trophy. Zubimendi has played 10 of Spain’s previous 11 fixtures recently. Spain coach Luis de la Fuente trusts him; now he is a core member of the national side.
At Arsenal, stakes are high. The team has been Premier League runners-up for three years in a row. Zubimendi asserts that even the team injuries destroyed their title ambitions.
He has referred to himself as a qualitative leap — a midfield player Arsenal lacked.
Challenges lying ahead and promise
Zubimendi concedes adaptation is not always straightforward. He laughs about singing the first day — he had to sing Manuel Turizo’s “La Bachata.” He misses his dog Lea, who stayed behind in Spain. Martin speaks about language, weather, life adjustment. He also mentions that he lives 10 minutes from the training pitch. He had already learned English. The Spaniard has the support of friends such as Merino and Ødegaard.
On the pitch, he recognizes how set-pieces become so much more crucial in the Premier League — something he is practicing every day. He recognizes how transitions become more difficult to dictate, how duels become more physical, how directness becomes more crucial. He thinks adaptation is as much a thinking process.
His calm in adversity, his perception, his defensive work rate — all those were predicted in advance. He was compared to Busquets or Xabi Alonso. His Real Sociedad passing statistics were the best in La Liga. At Arsenal, he hopes to provide calm authority, as well as the ability to run lines through.
Author’s Insight
Martín Zubimendi arrived at Arsenal not to redefine himself, but to stretch himself. He likes the challenge. He concedes adaptation required. But he stays true to himself too. “If they signed me, it’s because they like what I do,” he stated. One day, he wants to demonstrate just how well that was. He possesses the equipment. He possesses the support. It’s now a matter of making it work.
