Martin Zubimendi thrives under Mikel Arteta's influence as Arsenal move pays off

By SABC Sport
13th October 2025

Martin Zubimendi has opened up about his swift adaptation to English football and credited Mikel Arteta for playing a decisive role in his July move to Arsenal.

The Spanish midfielder, who joined from Real Sociedad for a reported fee of around fifty million pounds, has already become one of the standout performers in Arteta's evolving side.

Zubimendi, currently away on international duty with Spain, reflected on his decision to join Arsenal and the persuasive nature of Arteta's approach. Speaking to The Guardian, he said:

"I had watched Arsenal and liked everything I saw, the passion, the youth, the energy. When Mikel Arteta called me, he was very convincing. He's obsessed with football and controlling every detail. The project he presented was the best for me."

The 26-year-old admitted the transition from La Liga to the Premier League has been demanding, particularly with the physicality and speed of play.

"The mentality here is: be a man, go into clashes hard," Zubimendi explained. "In Spain, it's more about keeping the ball. Here, as soon as you win it, you go straight into attack. Transitions are constant and controlling them is a mental adjustment.

"What surprised me most is the importance of dead-ball situations, we work on them almost every day with our set-piece coach."

Zubimendi also revealed that Arsenal's style suits his strengths but requires small tactical adjustments.

"I've had to play faster and more directly," he said. "Arteta insists I can make that final pass and be more decisive. My role as a pivot doesn't change much, but I'm learning to take that step forward."

His performances have not gone unnoticed. For Spain, Zubimendi impressed again in Saturday's international fixture against Georgia, completing 91 of his 96 passes, winning all seven of his duels, and dictating play alongside Mikel Merino and Pedri.

With Rodri sidelined through injury, the Arsenal midfielder's form has strengthened his claim to be Spain's next long-term defensive anchor, a role he appears ready to embrace, just as he has done so impressively in North London.