Arsenal s first summer window is settled! 60 million euros lock in Spain s iron waist, and the midfielder welcomes "New Viera"?

After a six-year tug-of-war, Arsenal's first heavy signing this summer has finally been officially announced! On May 13, according to authoritative reporter Romano, Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi will join the Gunners by triggering a 60 million euro termination fee.

Real Sociedad Zubimendi

This deal not only set the third highest signing record in Arsenal's history, but also marked the ultimate strengthening of Arteta's midfield hardness.

Transfer Tug-of-war: Manchester City and Liverpool have intervened

As early as last summer, Zubimendi had an affair with Arsenal, but the players chose to stay in the team because of their loyalty to their parent team Real Sociedad.

This winter window, Manchester City even offered a quotation of 65 million euros to try to intercept it, but was rejected by Real Sociedad on the grounds that "the player has no intention to leave the team."

Arsenal coach Arteta

In the end, Arsenal reached an oral agreement with the players on May 10 with coach Arteta's personal lobbying and the dual offensive of "despitement + long-term commitment". The signing will be officially completed on July 1, and the players will wear the Gunners' No. 25 jersey.

Technical features: Defensive iron gate + organizational brain

26-year-old Zubimendi is not the No. 6 position in the traditional sense. His value lies in the comprehensiveness of both offense and defense.

In La Liga this season, he averaged 2.3 steals and 1.8 interceptions per game, with a pass success rate of up to 89%, and a defensive coverage area of ​​11.3 kilometers per game. What's even more rare is that he is good at attacking with precise short passes (42 per game), which is a trait that perfectly matches Arsenal's existing fast system. In the 2024 European Cup final, he replaced the injured Rodri as the starter, helping Spain win the championship, and his experience of winning the championship is the best proof of his big scene attributes.

Midfield reorganization: bid farewell to the old player and welcome a freshman

With Thomas (31 years old) leaving the team freely and Jorginho (33 years old) turning to Flamenco, Arsenal's midfield will be completely changed. Zubimendi will form a "double insurance" with Rice, the former is responsible for sweeping defenses, while the latter focuses on organizing and scheduling. This division of labor will unleash Odgao and Saka's offensive talents while reducing the physical energy consumption of core players.

According to insiders, Arteta plans to let Zubimendi serve as a single midfielder at the beginning of the season, gradually adapting to the pace of the Premier League before partnering with Rice.

Hidden dangers and challenges: Can you pass the Premier League debut?

Despite the impressive data, Zubi Mendi's Premier League prospects are not without risk. His confrontation success rate is only 58% (65% on average in the Premier League), and he may suffer a loss when facing the fierce midfield strangle in the Premier League.

In addition, players have never played in a giant club, and it is still unknown whether their psychological qualities can withstand the pressure of Emirates Stadium.

However, Arsenal is ready: the medical team will customize intensive training plans for it, and the psychological consultant team has also intervened.

Future layout: Do the Gunners continue to buy people?

After completing the first signing, Arsenal's focus of signings turned to the front line. According to the Daily Telegraph, the Gunners have submitted a 75 million euro offer to Portuguese sports forward Yorke, and the players' personal terms have been agreed. If the deal is reached, the 22-year-old god forward will form the most threatening trident in the Premier League with Saka and Martinelli.

What is more exciting is that reporter Ben Jacobs revealed that Arsenal may package Newcastle midfielder Guimaraes, and if it comes true, it will create a top midfield combination in the Premier League.

From being "released" by Liverpool to beating Manchester City and Real Madrid, Arsenal finally signed his favorite target with patience and sincerity.

Zubimedi's joining is not only a lineup upgrade, but also a milestone in Arteta's reconstruction system. This summer, the transformation of the Gunner may have just begun.