Arsenal 2025 Tactics: Zubimendi, Madueke & Squad Depth
Arsenal’s 2025 tactical setup under Arteta features Zubimendi, Madueke, and Mosquera—reshaping squad depth and attacking structure with purpose.
Shortest90
- July 7, 2025
Arsenal 2025: A Tactical Evolution in Motion
With a strong foundation already laid under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal are not just preparing for another Premier League title challenge—they are building for dominance across Europe. This summer, the Gunners have made smart acquisitions that fill tactical gaps and elevate the team’s flexibility. The additions of Martín Zubimendi, Christian Mosquera, Noni Madueke, and more signal a deliberate move towards tactical completeness.
Let’s break down the new tactical shape, player profiles, and how Arteta might deploy his weapons for 2025–26.
Zubimendi: Arsenal's New Brain in Midfield
Zubimendi’s signing might be the most important piece in Arsenal’s puzzle. While Declan Rice brought physicality and progressive carrying last season, Zubimendi brings technical balance, control, and tempo setting.
Not a carrier, but a metronome-like passer
Occupies deep zones to link build-up phases
Complements players like Rice and Ødegaard by freeing them to operate in advanced areas
Zubimendi will likely take up the ‘6’ role, allowing Rice to move higher up as an ‘8’ or even play as a second pivot depending on opposition pressing schemes.
Christian Mosquera: The Versatile Defender
While often underrated, the acquisition of Christian Mosquera brings needed rotational depth and future security.
Can pair with William Saliba at center-back
Adds cover in back three or back four systems
Technically clean and suits Arteta’s high-line playstyle
This allows Arsenal to rest Gabriel, use Benk White as full-back or CB, and survive injuries without breaking shape.
Madueke: The Explosive Touchline Dribbler Arsenal Needed
Arsenal’s links with Eberechi Eze and Morgan Rogers were real, but both operate more as inverted forwards or inside No.10 types. In contrast, Noni Madueke offers a completely different profile:
True touchline winger: Likes to receive wide and attack 1v1
33% of his carries are progressive, covering 5+ meters with the ball
Two-footed threat, can shoot from both feet and loves to drive toward the box
Arsenal needed a wide threat to complement Saka, who prefers cutting inside. Madueke offers width and unpredictability—essential against deep blocks.
In terms of numbers:
His shots per 90 have increased from 2.6 to 3.5
Non-penalty xG per 90 is 0.42, a solid return for a rotation winger
He’s not perfect yet, but can create chances solo, vital for tough away days
How Arteta Might Line Up
With the new personnel, Arteta’s shape could morph into a 3-box-3, where:
Zubimendi anchors midfield
Rice and Ødegaard play as dual No. 8s
Lewis Kelly (LB) inverts inside
Saliba–Mosquera/White maintain backline solidity
Saka and Martinelli/Madueke provide width, with Yokuslu or Havertz acting as strikers or pressing 10s
Average Positioning Insights:
Zubimendi stays deep
Lewis Kelly inverts, forming triangles in midfield
High positions for Saka/Martinelli, offering wide overloads
Ødegaard benefits from space due to Yokuslu’s pressing pull
Squad Depth: Arsenal’s Secret Weapon
What sets Arsenal apart this season is their scary depth. Here’s a look:
| Position | Starters | Rotation/Backup |
|---|---|---|
| CB | Saliba, Gabriel | Mosquera, White |
| LB | Lewis Kelly | Calafiori |
| RB | Timber | Ben White |
| CDM | Zubimendi | Jorginho |
| CM | Rice, Ødegaard | Havertz, Vieira |
| Wingers | Saka, Martinelli | Madueke, Trossard |
| ST | Yokuslu | Havertz, Nwaneri (emerging) |
Even Max Dowman is one to watch. The academy product is expected to make waves in the next 1–2 seasons.
Can They Win the Premier League?
That’s the golden question. Arsenal’s tactical setup looks much more complete now, and even if they don’t dominate from the start, they’re built to compete on all fronts, including Champions League.
Of course, Premier League competition is tighter this year, with City reloading and Liverpool undergoing tactical transition under Slot. But Arsenal? They look ready. Maybe not to “tear the league apart,” but certainly to challenge with a complete identity and clarity.
Final Thoughts
Arsenal’s recruitment this summer has been purposeful, tactical, and positional. Each signing addresses a clear need—Zubimendi for structure, Madueke for directness, Mosquera for defensive cover. Mikel Arteta is building a squad not just to compete, but to dictate games with dominance.
The Gunners might not have added global superstars, but they’ve added the right tools—and that could make all the difference in 2025.
Latest
