Arsenal’s pursuit of a first Premier League title since 2004 has repeatedly been undermined by a single factor: a lack of midfield control and depth in crucial moments. After three successive seasons as runners-up, the $65 million signing of Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in the 2025 summer window was a definitive statement from Mikel Arteta.
This wasn’t a signing for flair, but for foundational tactical excellence. Zubimendi’s arrival has fundamentally reshaped Arsenal’s midfield, not by replacing Declan Rice, but by finally allowing the English powerhouse to operate in his ultimate role: the box-to-box general capable of defining the biggest games.
1. The anchor: A press-resistant metronome
Before Zubimendi, Declan Rice was often pinned to the base of midfield, primarily tasked with being the sole shield and chief ball-progressor. This defensive solidity came at the expense of his incredible box-to-box dynamism. Zubimendi solves this by becoming the true, press-resistant No. 6 that Mikel Arteta’s system demands.
2. The transformation of Declan Rice
With the defensive and build-up burden lifted, Rice can now transition into the left-sided No. 8 role permanently, playing alongside Martin Ødegaard. This is where his unique blend of athleticism, ball-carrying, and goal threat is fully unleashed.
Rice is liberated to be a decisive attacker:
- Box-to-box dominance: Rice now defines Arsenal’s transitional phases, using his elite ball-carrying and stride to break lines through midfield. This powerful forward movement is far more unpredictable and disruptive to set defensive shapes than a static pass from the back.
- The second-wave threat: Rice is arriving late into the opposition box, adding a crucial second line of attack that opponents are struggling to track. This explains his increased involvement in the final third and his recent scoring threat.
- The long pass is back: Playing slightly deeper but with more freedom, Rice can utilise his long-range passing—a tool that was underused when he was solely chained to the pivot—to quickly switch the play or find the runs of Viktor Gyökeres.
3. Tactical fluidity and the title connection
The Zubimendi signing provides the essential tactical versatility Arteta needs to beat both high-pressing giants and stubborn low blocks—the two main obstacles to the title.
- Neutralising the giants: The security of the Zubimendi-Rice double pivot prevents the high-turnovers that cost Arsenal against top rivals, allowing them to control the tempo and force elite opponents into a reactive game.
- Breaking down low blocks: Zubimendi’s direct, line-breaking passes, combined with Rice’s constant movement beyond the striker, creates the unpredictable overloads and penetrative delivery the team previously lacked against deep-sitting defences.
4. The verdict: Can the balance carry the weight of expectation?
The addition of an elite anchor and the subsequent liberation of their most influential player is, on paper, the missing ingredient Arsenal has sought. The question now shifts from if the system is better to if this midfield duo is robust enough to deliver a title.
The argument for ‘Yes’:
- Elite control in high-stakes games: When compared to Manchester City’s Rodri, Zubimendi offers similar control and press-resistance, providing the foundation that every modern title winner requires.
- Durability and depth: The partnership provides a crucial blend of technical excellence and Premier League-proven physicality. The duo is built for the 60+ games demanded by a deep Champions League run and a title challenge.
- Psychological edge: This midfield unit symbolises the shift from “nearly-men” to a squad with world-class personnel in every key area. Their consistency in possession is designed to eliminate the late-game slip-ups that plagued previous campaigns.
The remaining challenges:
- Injury risk: While the primary duo is world-class, the drop-off in quality to the back-up pivot (e.g., Christian Nørgaard) remains a concern. An injury to either Rice or Zubimendi forces a significant tactical compromise.
- Final third conversion: The best midfield in the world cannot score every goal. The success of Rice and Zubimendi is ultimately dependent on the ruthlessness of Viktor Gyökeres and the health of Bukayo Saka to consistently convert the increased volume of high-quality chances the midfield creates.
Conclusion:
The combination of Martín Zubimendi’s metronomic control and Declan Rice’s unleashed athleticism gives Arsenal the most complete and balanced midfield of the Arteta era. While the title will ultimately be won by the entire squad, this partnership provides the essential tactical engine and psychological resilience the club has desperately needed. This midfield doesn’t just improve Arsenal; it raises their ceiling to a genuine, sustainable title-winning level.
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