Arsenal have completed the signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a deal worth £60 million, ending a long-standing pursuit of the Spain international. The 26-year-old is widely regarded as one of the most complete defensive midfielders in Europe and will join Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard to form what Mikel Arteta hopes will be a title-winning midfield.

“He has a gifted mind,” Spanish journalist Roberto Ramajo told BBC Sport. “He’s an eight out of 10 at everything, and with time, he can become a 10.” Ramajo even dubbed Zubimendi “el cerebro del futuro”—the brain of the future.

Zubimendi turned down a move to Liverpool last summer, opting instead to join their Premier League rivals, believing Arsenal’s project better suits his ambitions and style.

Zubimendi played 236 times for Real Sociedad—his boyhood club—scoring 10 goals. While not known for goalscoring, his game revolves around positional intelligence, pressing resistance, and spatial control.

Last season in La Liga, he ranked among the top five central midfielders for:

Real Sociedad typically deployed him as the lone pivot in a 4-1-4-1 formation. His game isn’t built on flair or flashy assists but on metronomic control and tactical precision.

“He’s not a technical wizard, but he contributes everywhere,” Ramajo said. “His real strength is what he does off the ball—his reading of play, positional awareness, and timing are exceptional.”

Zubimendi has earned 19 international caps and was instrumental in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, stepping up when Rodri went off injured in the final against England. Despite Rodri’s absence, Spain didn’t miss a beat, with Zubimendi helping secure a 2-1 win.

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente has hailed him as the “second-best defensive midfielder in the world”—a significant compliment, given the player ahead of him is Rodri himself.

Zubimendi made the most of his extended run in the team during Rodri’s injury layoff, scoring twice in the Nations League and ranking high in both interceptions and tackles throughout the knockout stages.

Ramajo believes Zubimendi has more room to grow than Rodri, saying: “Rodri has probably peaked, but Zubimendi is still evolving. Moving to the Premier League will help him take the next step.”

Zubimendi is expected to slot into the role formerly occupied by Thomas Partey, whose contract expired last week. Arsenal’s midfield has lacked a true holding presence since Partey’s decline in form, and Jorginho’s exit to Flamengo only deepened the need.

Zubimendi’s arrival should free up Declan Rice to play higher up the pitch, a position in which he has flourished since joining from West Ham. Compared to Partey, Zubimendi had a greater presence in his own half (56% of touches vs 48%) and made fewer final-third passes, focusing instead on control and transition.

Despite that, Ramajo insists he’s not just a sideways passer: “Zubimendi breaks lines, plays forward with courage, and adapts to the tempo. He thrives alongside better players—and he makes them better too.”

Arsenal weren’t the only club interested. Reports suggested Real Madrid considered hijacking the deal, especially with Xabi Alonso—a fellow product of the Antiguoko youth academy—taking charge.

But Zubimendi was drawn to Arsenal’s vision and the allure of playing in the Premier League. His preference for UK football and a desire to challenge himself on a new stage ultimately made the difference.

Ramajo said: “He’s leaving the club of his life to fulfil a dream. And he’s picked a team where he won’t face the same suffocating pressure he would in La Liga.”

Zubimendi is Arsenal’s second major signing of the summer, following the arrival of Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting. But their business isn’t done. Arteta still wants a top-class centre forward, and depending on that signing, midfield roles could shift further.

But for now, in Zubimendi, Arsenal believe they have found their midfield anchor for the next decade—a cerebral, understated player whose presence could finally balance the equation.