Overview
- Martin Zubimendi scored the deciding goal in Arsenal’s 3-2 win at Stamford Bridge, giving the Gunners a one-goal lead in the Carabao Cup semi-final first leg.
- Mikel Arteta likened Zubimendi’s all‑round qualities to Declan Rice, while William Saliba lauded his composure under pressure and joked he has scored “too many” for a number six.
- Analysts report his role has shifted beyond a traditional holding midfielder, with touches in the box jumping from 0.88 per 90 before December to 1.95 since then.
- Signed from Real Sociedad in July 2025 for around £60m, Zubimendi is being framed by multiple outlets as one of the signings of the season.
- Separately, reports indicate Nottingham Forest are weighing whether to cut Oleksandr Zinchenko’s loan short, though sources say the agreement lacks an immediate break clause.