Arsenal’s summer has been anything but quiet. With a Premier League title to defend and a Champions League final still fresh in the memory, Mikel Arteta isn’t resting. The Gunners are closing in on a blockbuster deal for Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes — and not everyone in the squad will benefit.
Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has already sounded the alarm. Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, he suggested that Guimaraes’ arrival could turn Martin Zubimendi into a “squad player” next season.
That’s a bold claim. But is it fair?
What Agbonlahor Actually Said
Agbonlahor didn’t hold back when discussing Arsenal’s midfield reshuffle. With Christian Norgaard now heading to Everton in a £7m deal confirmed by David Ornstein, the pundit acknowledged the squad looks a bit thin.
“They’ve sold Norgaard to Everton. So you’re looking at that midfield and you’re saying it’s a bit light now,” he said.
Then came the kicker.
“I think he’s a fantastic player. We were just talking, me and Jeff off air, that probably says Zubimendi, maybe you’re a squad player next season.”
It’s a sharp take — especially considering what Zubimendi delivered in 2025/26. The Spaniard featured in all 38 Premier League matches, scored five goals, and was integral to the title-winning campaign. He even popped up with a stunning volley against Nottingham Forest that won Premier League Goal of the Month.
So why the concern?
A Crowded Midfield at the Emirates
Here’s the reality. Arsenal have agreed a fee reported at around £75m to £80m for Guimaraes. The Brazilian, who notched nine Premier League goals and four assists for Newcastle last season, brings a level of dynamism that’s hard to ignore.
And he’s not the only option Arteta has. Consider who’s vying for midfield spots:
- Declan Rice — currently recovering from neural pain issues but pushing for an early pre-season return
- Martin Zubimendi — title-winning starter who played over 3,000 minutes last season
- Bruno Guimaraes — incoming with elite Premier League pedigree
- Mikel Merino — experienced Spanish international
- Myles Lewis-Skelly — the academy gem who started the Champions League final
That’s five quality midfielders for two or three spots. Someone’s going to miss out.
Former Manchester United and Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre made the point even more directly. Speaking to Grosvenor Sport, he noted that Zubimendi was benched during certain stretches last season, and that Guimaraes offers something the Spaniard doesn’t.
“Bruno Guimaraes can do both,” Silvestre said, referencing the Brazilian’s ability to combine aggression with line-breaking runs. “He’s a bit more aggressive, or at least more aggressive than Zubimendi.”
Why Arsenal Aren’t Selling Zubimendi
Before anyone panics, it’s worth noting what Fabrizio Romano reported. Arsenal have no plans to sell Zubimendi, even after the Guimaraes deal is wrapped up. The club still sees the Spanish international as a key part of the project.
And there’s a practical reason for keeping everyone around. Rice dealt with hamstring and back issues for much of 2026, playing through what England boss Thomas Tuchel described as “unbearable discomfort” at the World Cup. He isn’t due back until August 10 at the earliest. Arteta can’t afford to be light in midfield if his best players break down.
The deeper question, though, is whether Zubimendi will accept a reduced role. He’s 27, in his prime, and joined Arsenal to be a starter — not to watch from the bench. Competition is healthy. But there’s a fine line between healthy rotation and pushing a player out the door.
Still, some perspective is needed. Arsenal are competing on four fronts. That’s 50-plus matches guaranteed. Nobody’s playing every minute. If anything, having this much quality in midfield is exactly what separated Arsenal from the pack last season — and it’s what could keep them there.
Agbonlahor’s comments might sound harsh. But in a squad built to win everything, even a World Cup winner like Zubimendi might need to fight for his shirt.
That’s the cost of ambition.
