Zubimendi at the center of Arsenal debate after Xavi and Henry speak out
Martin Zubimendi is back in the spotlight after Xavi said he wanted Barcelona to sign zubimendi as a replacement for Sergio Busquets when he was in charge at the Camp Nou. The comments arrive as Thierry Henry has urged critics to remember the early doubts that followed Rodri in the Premier League, with Arsenal also waiting on news of Zubimendi’s knee problem. The midfielder has become one of the most discussed names around Arsenal’s season, both for his form and for what comes next.
Xavi opens up on the Barcelona call
Xavi said he told Barcelona’s president that he wanted Zubimendi brought in during his first summer as manager because he believed the club needed the right signings to compete at the highest level. In his account, that wider transfer debate formed part of the frustration he carried before leaving the club. Xavi also said his expectations of the club’s transfer business decreased over time, and he described the story being told by the club as false.
The Barcelona reference matters because it shows how long Zubimendi had been viewed as a major midfield option. He was already being monitored as a possible Real Madrid or Barcelona player before Arsenal won the race for his signature.
Arsenal’s midfielder remains under pressure
Zubimendi joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad last summer on a five-year contract, with the Gunners paying slightly above his £51 million release clause. He has made more than 40 appearances in all competitions in his debut season, but his displays in high-profile matches have still drawn criticism from some quarters.
That scrutiny has sharpened in recent days because he withdrew from international duty after a knee problem while on Spain duty. He played 13 minutes in Spain’s friendly against Serbia before feeling discomfort and leaving the squad to avoid any further damage. It is still unclear whether he will be available for Arsenal’s FA Cup quarter-final away at Southampton on Saturday evening, with a Champions League quarter-final first leg at Sporting to follow three days later.
Henry sends a clear message
Thierry Henry has stepped in firmly, urging supporters to compare Zubimendi’s situation with the doubts that once surrounded Rodri. Speaking to Betway, Henry said people will always talk and that criticism is part of football at the top level.
Henry’s message was direct: Zubimendi has only just arrived in the league, and the best response is to keep working until performances answer the debate. That stance reflects the bigger Arsenal picture too, where the team is still battling on multiple fronts and every midfield decision is being watched closely.
What the next few days could decide
For now, the immediate issue is fitness. Arsenal need clarity on whether Zubimendi can return in time for the FA Cup and Champions League fixtures, and any setback would add another layer to the pressure around him.
Longer term, the discussion around zubimendi will keep following Arsenal because he has already become central to the way the team is judged. With Xavi’s remarks adding fresh context and Henry offering public backing, the next development will be whether Zubimendi can turn the noise into a strong finish to the season.
