Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has voiced concerns regarding Arsenal’s decision to pursue Spanish star Martin Zubimendi for £51 million. Scholes, speaking on The Overlap, questioned whether the Real Sociedad midfielder would be a suitable addition to the Arsenal squad and expressed doubts about his overall quality.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reportedly made Zubimendi one of his top priorities for the upcoming transfer window. The club has been in discussions with the 26-year-old for several months, with fears that Spanish giants Real Madrid might intervene.
However, recent reports indicate that Zubimendi has agreed personal terms with the North London side, and his move is expected to be finalized when the transfer window officially opens.
Zubimendi has built a solid reputation in La Liga, having made over 200 appearances for Real Sociedad. He was also a key figure in Spain’s successful Euro 2024 campaign. Arsenal’s interest in Zubimendi comes at a time when their midfield is set for possible changes.
Italian midfielder Jorginho is rumored to be leaving this summer, and speculation continues to surround Thomas Partey’s future at the club. These potential departures have prompted Arsenal to seek a player capable of shielding the defense, dictating play, and giving Declan Rice the freedom to move further up the pitch.
Despite these plans, Scholes remains skeptical. He questioned where Zubimendi would fit in Arsenal’s current setup, pointing out that Rice already occupies the defensive midfield role. Scholes also remarked that while many perceive Rice as an attacking option, he personally doesn’t see that trait in him.
Citing his observations from a past fixture where Real Sociedad faced Manchester United, Scholes said he was unimpressed by Zubimendi’s performance, further fueling his reservations about the player’s suitability for Arsenal.
However, not everyone shares Scholes’ viewpoint. Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville sees value in the proposed signing. According to Neville, while both Rice and Partey are strong midfielders, neither excels at maintaining composure under pressure or controlling a game’s tempo — qualities Arsenal desperately need in crucial matches. Neville believes Zubimendi could fill that gap effectively.
In addition to pursuing Zubimendi, Arsenal is actively searching for a new striker, reportedly targeting Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, and Liam Delap.
With the club currently in second place in the Premier League and tough competition from Newcastle, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Aston Villa, Arsenal is eager to strengthen its squad and end a five-year trophy drought.
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