Arsenal's Transfer Policy Experiences a Revolution Through Martin Zubimendi, the Extraordinary Chess genius Who Shattered English Hearts
Arsenal Football Club have announced the signing of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for a fee reportedly around £51 million. The 26-year-old, who is renowned for his ball-winning and aggressive style, will take the No. 6 position at the Emirates.
The Gunners successfully orchestrated a well-timed transfer that outmaneuvered strong competition from other top European clubs, including Liverpool and Real Madrid. Key factors in Arsenal’s approach included early agreement and release clause activation, long-term planning, tactical player management, managerial influence, sporting director involvement, payment structure, and role fit and footballing vision.
Arsenal identified Zubimendi as their top midfield target as early as last summer, anticipating the departure of key midfielders Jorginho and Thomas Partey whose contracts were ending. The club’s forward planning allowed them to act decisively when the opportunity arose.
A significant factor was the strong connection between Zubimendi and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. Arteta personally convinced the midfielder to wait another year before moving outside Spain, offering him a clear role and career path at Arsenal. Their relationship built the trust and comfort needed for a big move abroad.
Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta played a vital role, backing Arteta’s desire to sign the player and overseeing the deal's completion, demonstrating the club's commitment to acquiring Zubimendi. The club reportedly negotiated a fee slightly higher than the release clause to pay in installments, which facilitated the financial terms of the transfer.
Zubimendi, who was a chess sensation at the age of 11 and won an Under-12 chess championship in the Spanish province of Gipuzkoa, is described as an aggressive, ball-winning, midfield dictator who had an influential display in the final of Euro 2024. His arrival at the Emirates is set to bolster Arsenal's midfield and take the team to the next level.
Arsenal’s recruitment strategy evaluates players in a tier system, with 'Tier One' meeting all parameters to improve the squad and take the team to the next level. Zubimendi, undoubtedly, is a 'Tier One' signing for Arsenal.
The transfer of Zubimendi to Arsenal was fully signed off in March, making him the Gunners' second arrival of the summer, following Kepa Arrizabalaga who joined for £5m from Chelsea. Mikel Arteta, the boss of Arsenal, is pleased with the signing and believes that Zubimendi will be a valuable addition to the team.
Last summer, Arsenal attempted to sign both Zubimendi and Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, but only Merino was allowed to join for £32m. Despite interest from Liverpool and Real Madrid, Arsenal had Zubimendi's transfer under control, and a late attempt by Real Madrid's new manager Xabi Alonso to sign Zubimendi in June was not a cause for concern for the Gunners.
Zubimendi, who was close to joining Liverpool a year ago, was ultimately persuaded to join Arsenal after being sold on the project and vision at the Emirates by Arteta and the club. He rejected Liverpool after being persuaded to stay at Real Sociedad by coach Imanol Alguacil and sporting director Roberto Olabe.
With the signing of Zubimendi, Arsenal are now focusing on other targets for the summer, including a new No. 9. The Gunners are determined to strengthen their squad and challenge for major titles in the upcoming season.
The Gunners, having identified Zubimendi as their top midfield target, successfully secured his signing from Real Sociedad after outmaneuvering strong competition in Europe, including Liverpool and Real Madrid. Zubimendi's arrival at the Emirates marks a significant strengthening of Arsenal's midfield, and with the team's focus now on other targets for the upcoming season, they aim to challenge for major titles in European-leagues, such as Laliga.
