Arsenal FC starting XI 2025/26: How the Gunners Will Line Up with Martin Zubimendi

After finishing second for the third consecutive season in the Premier League, Arsenal are likely to bolster their squad in the summer transfer window. With central midfielder Mikel Merino serving as their forward towards the tail end of the campaign, many expected the Gunners to begin their shopping season with a striker.

However, as things stand, Arsenal are looking increasingly likely to kick things off with a midfield addition, with a medical scheduled for long-time target Martin Zubimendi. According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, the north London side have activated Zubimendi’s €60 million (£51 million) release clause, and the announcement is imminent.

With Zubimendi on board, Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta will have a stacked midfield to choose from in the 2025/26 season. Below, SportsCasting takes a look at Zubimendi’s strengths and speculates how Arsenal’s starting XI will look in the 2025/26 season with the 26-year-old gracing the midfield.

Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal: Preferred Position, Playing Style, and Strengths

Spain international Martin Zubimendi is one of the most sought-after midfielders in LaLiga. He excels in operating at the base of the midfield as a No. 6. Zubimendi likes to keep it simple, hence reducing unforced errors. He is a cool operator, excels in retaining possession, can ping quick first-time es to release pressure, and easily creates space for his teammates to attack.

Coming to his defensive attributes, Zubimendi is more proactive than reactive. Thanks to his remarkable game-reading ability, he anticipates danger and sweeps the ball clear when the need arises. Zubimendi has a high success rate in interceptions, clearances, and tackles. The midfielder works tirelessly from start to finish and occasionally chips in with defence-splitting es. In the 2024/25 season, he took the No. 1 spot in the touches, es and carries for his team.

Arsenal FC starting XI 2025/26 With Zubimendi

Arsenal have long been searching for a capable midfield three. Mikel Arteta initially expected Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Martin Odegaard to star in midfield, but the former Chelsea forward could not shine in the middle of the park. Arteta then placed Thomas Partey at the base and flanked him with Odegaard and Rice. The trident was Arsenal’s most reliable in 2024/25, and we expect the Gunners to continue with their midfield three next season.

Partey set to stay, Zubimendi coming in — happy with Arsenal’s midfield for next season? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/oCyKq0kXZh

— AFTV (@AFTVMedia) May 29, 2025

Jorginho and Partey are among the 66 Premier League players out of contract this summer. As per reports, Partey is likely to sign a new contract with Arsenal, but Jorginho will leave on a free, likely to Flamengo. This naturally opens a slot for Martin Zubimendi in the roster. On the field, however, the Real Sociedad man is likely to start ahead of the 32-year-old, injury-prone Partey, forming a new alliance with Rice and Odegaard.

Arsenal Starting XI for 2025/26 with Zubimendi (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Zubimendi, Odegaard, Rice; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli;

They could also switch to a 4-2-3-1, using Zubimendi and Rice as the double pivot. This would allow captain Martin Odegaard to flex his creative muscles as a No. 10.