The departure of a manager can trigger a cascade of events, reshaping ambitions and altering destinies. When Xabi Alonso left Real, his vision for the club’s future became immediately clear: a specific player was essential to his success.
That player was Martín Zubimendi, a rising star then playing for Real Sociedad. Alonso believed Zubimendi possessed the unique qualities needed to solidify the midfield, but he wasn’t alone in recognizing the player’s potential. Arsenal had been tracking Zubimendi for months, even reaching a preliminary agreement for his arrival in January.
A tense period unfolded as Alonso’s representatives made a direct appeal to Zubimendi, attempting to sway him with the allure of playing under a legendary figure. Zubimendi himself paused, weighing the opportunity to join Alonso’s project at Real against the existing understanding with Arsenal.
Real Madrid’s hesitation proved fatal. While Alonso urgently pressed for the signing, the club’s leadership harbored doubts. By the time they fully committed, Arsenal had finalized a £60 million deal, securing Zubimendi’s services.
Privately, Alonso expressed his frustration to his staff, lamenting Zubimendi as the missing piece in his tactical puzzle. Real Madrid already possessed a wealth of midfield talent – Bellingham, Valverde, Camavinga, and Tchouameni – but lacked a true anchor, a deep-lying playmaker to dictate the tempo.
Zubimendi’s impact at Arsenal has been immediate and profound. He seamlessly integrated into Mikel Arteta’s system, becoming a cornerstone of the team’s success. He’s started 20 of 21 Premier League matches, consistently playing the full 90 minutes in the majority of those games.
His arrival has also unlocked a new level of performance from Declan Rice. The England international recently lauded Zubimendi as “unreal,” highlighting his exceptional intelligence and ability to orchestrate play from deep. Rice emphasized the challenge of transitioning from La Liga and Zubimendi’s effortless adaptation.
“He’s not the biggest player or the strongest, but his brain, the way it works, allows the team to function in such a good way,” Rice explained. “He’s been unreal. He’s played so many minutes for us, the way he gets on the ball… you see the quality he brings, the calmness, the composure.”
The partnership between Rice and Zubimendi is flourishing, built on mutual respect and a shared ambition. Both players are young, dynamic, and eager to continue developing their connection, promising a bright future for Arsenal’s midfield.
Real Madrid now observes from a distance, perhaps recognizing the value they allowed to slip away. Zubimendi’s success serves as a potent reminder that sometimes, the most crucial signings are the ones you hesitate to make.
