How Arsenal could line up with Zubimendi to take midfield to new level as Alexander Isak and Nico Williams strengthening the forward attack…

How Arsenal Might Utilize Zubimendi to Elevate Their Midfield.

Exploring how Arsenal might configure their lineup with Zubimendi enhancing the midfield and Nico Williams providing a boost to the attacking front.

Acquiring the ‘Gen-Z Sergio Busquets’ this summer would provide Mikel Arteta with a wealth of exciting possibilities.

Arsenal aims to strengthen their squad by bringing in Martin Zubimendi, a standout player from Real Sociedad, who possesses the skills to enhance their midfield significantly.

Known as the ‘Gen-Z Sergio Busquets’, the 26-year-old has attracted attention from some of Europe’s top clubs over the last 18 months.

While Liverpool and Real Madrid have also expressed interest in Zubimendi, Arsenal currently leads the race for his signature.

The addition of the Spain international would be timely for Arteta’s team, especially as midfielders Jorginho and Thomas Partey are both set to become free agents.

Positioning Zubimendi as a No. 6

This scenario appears to be the most probable, placing Zubimendi at the heart of Arsenal’s midfield.

Partey has primarily occupied this position this season, with Jorginho also seeing some action there.

Both players are over 30 and will be out of contract this summer, prompting the Gunners to rejuvenate their midfield.

Declan Rice has largely played as a No. 6 throughout his career, but Zubimendi’s arrival would enable him to maintain his role further up the pitch.

The England international has excelled as a No. 8 for Arsenal, contributing goals and assists since transitioning to that position about a year ago.

Zubimendi could operate behind Rice and fellow No. 8 Martin Odegaard, disrupting opposition play and initiating attacks from a deeper position.

This arrangement would allow Arsenal to continue with their established 4-3-3 formation, which has proven effective in recent seasons.

Potential lineup (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Odegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli

Double pivot with Rice

Arteta has demonstrated a willingness to adapt and modify his team’s formations over the years.

When the Spaniard was appointed in 2019, he led the Gunners to an FA Cup victory in his inaugural season, employing a direct approach with a three-man defense.

Following that success, Arsenal transitioned to a 4-2-3-1 formation and has recently utilized a 4-3-3 setup over the past few seasons.

The addition of Zubimendi, along with Rice, would enable Arteta’s team to revert to a 4-2-3-1 formation if desired.

Zubimendi is capable of playing as a sole No. 6, but he can also partner with Rice in a dual role.

Together, they could create a strong partnership, blending Rice’s physicality with Zubimendi’s technical skills.

This arrangement would allow Odegaard to assume a central No. 10 position, potentially granting the Norwegian greater creative freedom.

Proposed lineup (4-2-3-1): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Zubimendi; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Havertz.