Bruno Guimarães arrival puts Martin Zubimendi’s Arsenal place under threat

Year two for Martín Zubimendi in London. The Spanish midfielder hit the ground running at Arsenal exactly a year ago, establishing himself as an important player for Arteta for two-thirds of the season, playing 4,299 minutes across all competitions in 2025/26. He ended the campaign on the bench, however, as was the case in the Champions League final. Now Bruno Guimarães has arrived as the second-most expensive signing in the club’s history, a player the Arsenal coach has wanted for some time.

They say sequels are never as good as the original, an expression almost as old as Don Quixote, and the former Real Sociedad player will be hoping to prove it wrong in this new season, which began with Arsenal winning the Community Shield against Manchester City. Once again, Zubimendi started on the bench, although it is worth noting that he joined preseason later after winning the 2026 World Cup with Spain.

Arsenal the team to beat in the Premier League

Arsenal is the team to beat in England and will have a target on its back this season, beginning with its opener against Coventry. The club has kept the core of its powerful squad together while adding Guimarães. The Brazilian arrives with the status of a global star, firmly established with Brazil and having previously captained Newcastle. Declan Rice is untouchable in Arteta’s system, while Odegaard is another key player in the Gunners’ ambitions as they look to retain their title and finally lift the Champions League trophy that has eluded them over the past two seasons. That would seemingly leave one spot to be shared among Zubimendi, Merino, Guimarães, Eze, Lewis-Skelly and Nwaneri, although the latter could leave before the transfer window closes. Max Dowman, the academy gem who dazzled last season, must also be taken into account.

It is a squad that looks more like something from a video game than real life. Arteta effectively has two top-class starting lineups at his disposal as Arsenal targets every trophy available. The club’s desire to keep winning could ultimately work in Zubimendi’s favor, giving him opportunities to make his mark again and prove he can be that third piece in midfield. To do so, he will need to reach the decisive stretch of the season in better physical condition and avoid a repeat of what happened a few months ago. Fatigue and the physical demands of the Premier League ultimately got the better of the midfielder.

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