Sport
Rice – Zubimendi partnership could be the best in the league.
For three seasons in-a-row, Arsenal have been within touching distance of the Premier League trophy without ever lifting it. Mikel Arteta’s team have mastered the art of finishing second. They did it in 2022/23. And 2023/24. And 2024/25 when Manchester City finally dropped off, but Liverpool replaced them as the team setting the pace from start to finish.
A fourth season of coming so close to the title without winning it won’t be tolerated. This has guided much of Arsenal’s summer transfer business with Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Bertra intent on building a more rounded, accomplished squad that can better handle the rigours of a gruelling title race.
Viktor Gyokeres has been signed to give the Gunners a stronger penalty box presence. Noni Madueke has arrived from Chelsea to give Arteta another option on the right wing in the hope that he can ease some of the burden on Bukayo Saka. At the back, Cristhian Mosquera and Kepa Arrizabalaga have signed to offer greater depth.
It’s in midfield, however, where Arsenal look to have made the biggest step forward through the capture of Martin Zubimendi. The Spanish international joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad for £60m and is widely expected to be the number six Arteta builds around for the coming season and beyond.
Arsenal have signed Zubimendi to be their Rodri. They believe the 26-year-old is ready to take the next step in his career and moved quickly to sign him following strong links to Liverpool a year ago. Zubimendi rejected a transfer to Anfield back then, but was convinced by Arteta’s project in North London.
The early signs in pre-season have been positive. Zubimendi was particularly commanding in the 3-0 win over Athletic Club, dominating play in the centre of the pitch. Perhaps most encouraging for Arteta was that Zubimendi and Declan Rice already appear to have forged some sort of understanding. Their partnership has real potential.
As a pairing, Rice and Zubimendi will give Arsenal security in and out of possession in the centre of the pitch. Rice has already established himself as one of the best midfielders in the Premier League with Zubimendi potentially on the same level as his new teammate. Together, they could make Arsenal’s midfield formidable.
With Rice and Zubimendi as a double pivot, Arsenal surely hope to get more out of Martin Odegaard as a creative force. The Norwegian struggled for consistent form in the second half of last season with the first half of his campaign disrupted through injury. The Gunners need their captain to be back to his best.
Rice and Zubimendi’s partnership will benefit every Arsenal player ahead of them. Odegaard will have more space to be inventive against low blocks. Saka will have even more freedom to drive an opposition defenders down the right wing. Gyokeres will have two pace-setters to make runs off and into space in behind.
“It was easy,” said Zubimendi when asked about playing alongside Rice and Odegaard in the pre-season victory over Athletic Club. “They’re top players, the best in their position. It’s time to learn, adapt and enjoy it, above all. The truth is that this team has to adapt to all contexts, whether it’s losing or winning, with the aim of winning above all. Let’s hope we can get through these types of games and do great things.”
Competition will be stiff near the top of the Premier League table this season. Chelsea, Manchester City and possibly even Liverpool will be stronger and so Arsenal have a lot of work ahead of them to prove themselves worthy to be champions. In Rice and Zubimendi, though, they have a title-winning midfield duo.
