Arsenal’s Aspirations for the 2025-26 Season
In the lead-up to the 2025-26 season, Arsenal has made clear their aspirations to achieve “new heights,” a phrase echoed by both defender Gabriel Magalhães and manager Mikel Arteta. This year, they aim to break a five-year drought of major trophies, a pursuit that was symbolically marked by the launch of their new away kit in Singapore, specifically at NOVA Rooftop, the country’s highest bar.
Strategic Focus and Key Signings
The Gunners are strategically focused not just on winning, but on refining their objectives after finishing second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons. While they are still finalizing a deal for striker Viktor Gyökeres, the most significant boost to their squad has come from signing midfielder Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for £51 million. This acquisition stands out not only for its financial scale but also for the competition Arsenal faced from footballing giants like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Real Madrid to secure his signature.
Zubimendi’s transfer is the result of a drawn-out two-year plan, which began with Arsenal’s interest in Mikel Merino last summer. Although Zubimendi had been linked with a move to Liverpool for 2024, his decision to stay at Real Sociedad inadvertently opened up the opportunity for Arsenal to wrap up both players. Recently, Zubimendi and Merino were seen together in Singapore, where Zubimendi shared his thoughts on the transition:
“It wasn’t an easy time for me because I wanted to stay at Real, but when offers come in, you start thinking about your options. I felt that Real offered me more opportunities and that I still had a lot to learn, so staying was the best decision for me.”
Challenges and Strategic Coordination
Interestingly, the approach of signing two players from the same club across two transfer windows is quite rare. This strategy was complicated due to the sudden departure of Arsenal’s sporting director Edu and his assistant Jason Ayto, who had originally laid the groundwork for these deals. After Edu’s replacement by Andrea Berta in March, Zubimendi formally committed to Arsenal just as Real Madrid expressed interest after hiring Xabi Alonso.
Arteta praised the coordinated effort behind the transfer:
“There was a real strategy in play, and when all parties are convinced, negotiations tend to go more smoothly. Yet, when even one part hesitates, the process can become complicated.”
Conversely, Merino recounted that both of them were focused on their current responsibilities with Sociedad, without much discussion about personal future moves.
Looking Ahead: Zubimendi’s Role and Aspirations
As they begin this new chapter together at Arsenal, Merino expressed his enthusiasm for Zubimendi’s arrival, noting the club’s potential for future success:
“This club provides the right atmosphere to build big things and fight for major titles.”
Arteta clarified that Zubimendi will fit into a deep-lying midfield role, known as a ‘number six’, emphasizing the player’s impressive training demeanor and aptitude for mastering game tactics. Last season at Real Sociedad, Zubimendi was a standout player, leading his team in completed passes, progressive passes, and interceptions.
Zubimendi’s personal connection to Arteta is notable, as both share roots in San Sebastián and have a mutual appreciation for football’s cultural richness in that area. Zubimendi has also expressed admiration for Arteta’s meticulous coaching style and his desire to grow under his guidance:
“I wanted a quality coach, and I think I’ve found him here. I’ll be looking to enhance my skills and provide the balance and passing option that the team needs. My aim is to emulate the success of players like Rodri, an inspiration for many Spanish midfielders.”
Reflecting on Arsenal’s past propensity to fall short in Champions League competitions due to minor lapses, Zubimendi noted the importance of learning from previous seasons. He identified key lessons that could bridge the gap between the club’s progress and the silverware they desperately seek. His transition to London has been smooth, complete with an initiation song that delighted his new teammates, and he is currently searching for housing close to the training facilities.
As Zubimendi settles into his new role, both he and Arsenal are optimistic about what lies ahead, intertwining their ambitions to collectively soar to unprecedented achievements this season. The prospect of reaching new heights resonates deeply with the club and fans alike as they hope Zubimendi will play a crucial role in this championship quest.
