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The Guardian
07-07-2025
- Sport
- The Guardian
'There is no one like him': what Martín Zubimendi will bring Arsenal
The way Martín Zubimendi remembers it, the day he was given the chance to be a ballboy for Real Sociedad against Manchester United he was more nervous than when he had to play. Standing at the side of the pitch, he found himself transfixed, the game flying by. So transfixed, in fact, that he forgot it was his job to pass the ball to the players and at one point Claudio Bravo, in goal that night at Anoeta, had to come over and take it off him because he was standing there watching. It was the first time it had happened to him; it would also be the last. If there is anything that defines Arsenal's new midfielder, it is that he is so calm, so in control. 'He oozes assuredness from every pore,' says the Spain coach, Luis de la Fuente. 'He doesn't get nervous walking a tightrope with no safety net.' When he's out there, games don't just go by; they usually go where he wants them to. And as for passes, what he forgot to do that night defines him now: there were 1,752 of them in La Liga last season. No midfielder outside Real Madrid or Barcelona played more. Raised in the San Sebastián neighbourhood of Gros, where he has walked his dog daily, quietly heading across the beach or up to Elía which looks out over the bay, Zubimendi was Gipuzkoa chess champion at under-12 level. It fits the way he plays football, which he did even better: thoughtful, strategic, the whole picture. 'Martín is a player who will bring us enormous quality and footballing intelligence; he has all the qualities to be a key player for us,' Mikel Arteta said. Like Arteta, his coach now, Zubimendi played at local club Antiguoko, an extraordinary success story when it comes to football development in the city, before joining Real Sociedad at 12 and making his first team debut eight years later. Last year, his coach Imanol Alguacil said: 'There is no one like him.' Which isn't, in truth, what most people say. Ask anybody about Zubimendi and one name comes up every time, sometimes two. There is Sergio Busquets, who Zubimendi once joked had done a lot of damage to central midfielders, setting new standards, new demands, forcing them to do things they had never done before. And then, inevitably, there is Xabi Alonso who he says 'must get bored of hearing me talk about him'. Alonso too is from Guipuzkoa and began at Antiguoko before joining Real Sociedad. They play in the same position, with the same style, have the same agent, and listening to Zubimendi explain his craft, even sound the same. Alonso has been Zubimendi's coach at Real Sociedad's B team, taking it upon himself to teach him, bringing out the player he could see inside. Even after Zubimendi's promotion to the first team, Alonso would stop him at the Zubieta training ground and go through the game with him, offering advice. As for being tired of Zubimendi talking about him, forget it. The admiration is mutual, the values shared. This summer, Zubimendi appeared a perfect signing for Real Madrid. Alonso, Zubimendi says, led without it ever being for show; 'Martín,' Alonso says, 'thinks more about his teammates than himself. He has that ability to generate play, make those around him better, organise. He understands the next step before the ball gets to him.' He also understands that is not all there is to the game. Not least because he has been told it. He has talked about needing to see beyond the short pass, learning to shift the length of his deliveries, and there is a dynamism about his play that Alonso And Busquets didn't have. There's also an ability to do the more traditional duties of a defensive midfielder. Only four defenders in Spain made more tackles than he did last season. If there is one thing that Alguacil is obsessed with it is the intensity with which he thinks the game should be played, the determination to compete and put the boot in if needs be. Zubimendi reckons he might have been the player who most had the manager on his back. 'Imanol asks me to talk more, to be more aggressive,' he said. 'Your role is to be constantly helping everyone and talking is part of that. That and the challenges.' Zubimendi is naturally quiet, made in the Gipuzkoan mould. Talk to him and he's engaging, warm company, the analysis impressive, but there is no show. Everyone in San Sebastián knows him; outside, it is tempting to suggest, too few do. Or at least that, without a lobby to champion him, without any desire to demand the spotlight, he has not always had the recognition his performances deserved. In fact, when Rodri went off injured in the final of Euro 2024, to be replaced by Zubimendi, it wasn't only the England fans thinking this was their chance. Up in the directors' box in Berlin, where the presidents of the regional federations were sat, one of the Basque representatives heard the muttering from the row behind: Rodri going off was a disaster, they were screwed now, Spain were going to lose. The way he recalls it, he turned round and had a go, saying that anyone would think they had never seen Zubimendi play and maybe they should watch someone outside Madrid and Barcelona for once. For a moment, it got a bit tense. By the end of the night Spain were European champions; Zubimendi had dominated the second half. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion If they had doubted, De la Fuente had not. 'Rodri is the best midfielder in the world,' he had said, 'but Zubimendi is the second best. Martín gives you everything you ask for and has a fantastic talent. He's a guarantee, totally reliable. He always plays calmly, unhurried and every decision is the right one.' Others had seen it too. In 2023, Xavi Hernández tried to persuade Barcelona to sign him. The following summer, Liverpool thought they had him; so did some Real Sociedad players. At the end of the Euros, Álex Remiro had rented a house in Ibiza and invited the teammates with whom he played for both Real Sociedad and Spain: Robin Le Normand, Mikel Oyarzabal, Mikel Merino, and Zubimendi. Oyarzabal went but, one by one, the problems appeared: Le Normand had to arrange his move to Atlético Madrid, Merino was about to go to Arsenal, and Zubimendi wasn't sure he was going to make it either, because there were things to sort out. Not you too, Remiro replied, not this year. Next year, then. Home called and Zubimendi stayed for now but 12 months on it is time. 'It's hard to find the right words to say goodbye; it hasn't been easy but the moment has come,' he wrote. 'Once I had made the decision to go, I was focused on Arsenal because I think their style is the right one for me. [The manager and I] have a lot in common. We come from the same city and played for the same teams.' Starting at Real Sociedad, where one night Zubimendi let the game pass by him but never again.
The Sun
06-07-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Martin Zubimendi is chess prodigy who broke English hearts and marks total transformation of Arsenal's transfer policy
AFTER being a chess sensation at 11, Martin Zubimendi knows the importance of thinking one step ahead at all times. No doubt then, the Spanish midfielder would have been impressed by Arsenal's patient and obsessive approach to signing him from Real Sociedad for £51million — a complex transfer 12 months in the making. 3 3 3 Zubimendi, 26, completed his Emirates switch on a five-year deal — the Gunners' second arrival of the summer after spending £5m on Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Boss Mikel Arteta finally has his No 6 — an aggressive, snarling, ball-winning, midfield dictator who ruthlessly broke English hearts with an influential display in the final of Euro 2024. Away from the pitch, he is quiet, shy, humble and unassuming but in the Spanish province of Gipuzkoa in 2011, he wiped the floor with rivals in an Under-12 chess championship triumph. Zubimendi explained: 'It's a game that requires you to have everything under control. In both sports, the midfield is crucial because it defines the style of play.' Despite Liverpool and Real Madrid threatening to derail the move, it was a transfer Arsenal always had under control. Last summer, Arteta wanted to raid Sociedad for both Zubimendi AND Mikel Merino, sending then sporting director Edu to Marbella to thrash out the ambitious plan. The Spanish club did not want to lose both, instead only letting Merino join in a £32m deal. So Arsenal waited a year before activating his £51m release clause. But Zubimendi could also have joined Arne Slot's Reds a year ago. The midfielder isolated himself at home to consult his family. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates Eventually, Zubimendi rejected Liverpool after being persuaded to remain at his beloved Sociedad by coach Imanol Alguacil and sporting director Roberto Olabe. Fast forward a year and the result was different as Arteta convinced his fellow Basque to make London his new home. Arteta's presentations are well known, leaving most players and agents astounded by the level of detail and care put into them. SunSport understands that Arteta and Zubimendi had an instant connection, sold on the project and vision at the Emirates. Madrid made a late play for Zubimendi in June with new manager Xabi Alonso a big fan — both are represented by the same agent too — but Arsenal were not concerned. From March, the transfer had been fully signed off, allowing Arsenal to press on with other targets for the summer, including a new No 9. The recruitment strategy used by Arsenal and Arteta evaluates players in a tier system, with 'Tier One' meeting all parameters to improve the squad and take the team to the next level. In short, 'world class'. SunSport understands that Zubimendi is the ultimate 'Tier One' signing, one that Arsenal took their time over before making checkmate.
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
VIVEbiotech Appoints Patricio Massera as President
Veteran CDMO executive to guide next phase of global expansion and operational excellence for lentiviral vector manufacturer. VIVEbiotech Patricio Massera San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VIVEbiotech, a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in lentiviral vector (LVV) development and manufacturing for in vivo and ex vivo gene and cell therapies, today announced the appointment of Patricio Massera as President, in addition to his role on the VIVEbiotech Board of Directors. The appointment marks a significant step in VIVEbiotech's strategy to scale its capabilities, expand globally, and enhance operational quality and excellence following a recent growth investment from Ampersand Capital Partners, a life sciences and healthcare-focused private equity firm. Mr. Massera has over 25 years of leadership experience in the biopharmaceutical CDMO sector. Most recently, he served as CEO of AGC Biologics, where he led the company through global facility expansions and advanced its reputation for quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. In his prior executive roles, Patricio focused on scaling operations, driving quality and operational excellence, and building world-class teams. 'I am honored to join VIVEbiotech at such a pivotal point in its evolution. I firmly believe that VIVE's unique value proposition is redefining the standards by which CDMOs address customer needs and drive meaningful advancements that improve lives.' said Mr. Massera. 'I look forward to working closely with the Board and the leadership team to enhance operational robustness, expand capabilities, and strengthen the strategic partnerships that define VIVE's commitment to customer success.' Mr. Massera joins VIVEbiotech's leadership team alongside Chairperson Dr. Stefan Beyer—a seasoned CDMO executive and former CEO of Vibalogics—and CEO Jon Alberdi, who has led the company's emergence as a global leader in lentiviral vector manufacturing. 'Patricio brings a unique combination of strategic vision, technical expertise, and operational excellence,' said Dr. Stefan Beyer, Chairperson of VIVEbiotech. 'He has consistently demonstrated a strong ability to scale organizations while upholding excellence in quality and customer service. The Board is confident in his ability to help lead VIVEbiotech into its next phase of growth. We are delighted to welcome him and look forward to working closely together.' Jon Alberdi, CEO, VIVEbiotech added, 'Patricio's deep industry knowledge and leadership skills are a perfect fit for our ambitious goals. I look forward to working together to deliver exceptional value to our clients and to further strengthen our position as a leading CDMO.' VIVEbiotech is one of the few CDMOs globally with deep expertise in both ex vivo and in vivo lentiviral vector development and manufacturing. Its fully integrated service offering supports therapies across a range of indications, including oncology (CAR-T, NK), autoimmune diseases, and vaccines. VIVE serves established global pharmaceutical leaders as well as emerging, innovative start-ups, with a customer base spanning Europe, the U.S., and Australia. About VIVEbiotechVIVEbiotech is a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in lentiviral vectors for gene and cell therapy. Founded in 2015, VIVEbiotech operates under EMA and FDA standards, serving over 40 biotech companies globally. The company focuses on scalable, high-yield manufacturing processes and cutting-edge technologies. With expertise in both ex vivo and in vivo applications, VIVEbiotech supports the development and commercialization of therapies for cancers and rare diseases. For more information about VIVEbiotech, please visit About Ampersand Capital PartnersAmpersand Capital Partners, founded in 1988, is a middle-market private equity firm with $3 billion of assets under management, dedicated to growth-oriented investments in the healthcare sector. With offices in Boston, MA, and Amsterdam, Netherlands, Ampersand leverages a unique blend of private equity and operating experience to build value and drive long-term performance alongside its portfolio company management teams. Ampersand has helped build numerous market-leading companies across each of the firm's core healthcare sectors. For additional information, visit or follow us on LinkedIn. Attachments VIVEbiotech Patricio Massera CONTACT: Naiara Tejados, PhD VIVEbiotech T +34 943 308 568 – Ext. 244 ntejados@ in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
VIVEbiotech Appoints Patricio Massera as President
Veteran CDMO executive to guide next phase of global expansion and operational excellence for lentiviral vector manufacturer. VIVEbiotech Patricio Massera San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VIVEbiotech, a leading Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in lentiviral vector (LVV) development and manufacturing for in vivo and ex vivo gene and cell therapies, today announced the appointment of Patricio Massera as President, in addition to his role on the VIVEbiotech Board of Directors. The appointment marks a significant step in VIVEbiotech's strategy to scale its capabilities, expand globally, and enhance operational quality and excellence following a recent growth investment from Ampersand Capital Partners, a life sciences and healthcare-focused private equity firm. Mr. Massera has over 25 years of leadership experience in the biopharmaceutical CDMO sector. Most recently, he served as CEO of AGC Biologics, where he led the company through global facility expansions and advanced its reputation for quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. In his prior executive roles, Patricio focused on scaling operations, driving quality and operational excellence, and building world-class teams. 'I am honored to join VIVEbiotech at such a pivotal point in its evolution. I firmly believe that VIVE's unique value proposition is redefining the standards by which CDMOs address customer needs and drive meaningful advancements that improve lives.' said Mr. Massera. 'I look forward to working closely with the Board and the leadership team to enhance operational robustness, expand capabilities, and strengthen the strategic partnerships that define VIVE's commitment to customer success.' Mr. Massera joins VIVEbiotech's leadership team alongside Chairperson Dr. Stefan Beyer—a seasoned CDMO executive and former CEO of Vibalogics—and CEO Jon Alberdi, who has led the company's emergence as a global leader in lentiviral vector manufacturing. 'Patricio brings a unique combination of strategic vision, technical expertise, and operational excellence,' said Dr. Stefan Beyer, Chairperson of VIVEbiotech. 'He has consistently demonstrated a strong ability to scale organizations while upholding excellence in quality and customer service. The Board is confident in his ability to help lead VIVEbiotech into its next phase of growth. We are delighted to welcome him and look forward to working closely together.' Jon Alberdi, CEO, VIVEbiotech added, 'Patricio's deep industry knowledge and leadership skills are a perfect fit for our ambitious goals. I look forward to working together to deliver exceptional value to our clients and to further strengthen our position as a leading CDMO.' VIVEbiotech is one of the few CDMOs globally with deep expertise in both ex vivo and in vivo lentiviral vector development and manufacturing. Its fully integrated service offering supports therapies across a range of indications, including oncology (CAR-T, NK), autoimmune diseases, and vaccines. VIVE serves established global pharmaceutical leaders as well as emerging, innovative start-ups, with a customer base spanning Europe, the U.S., and Australia. About VIVEbiotechVIVEbiotech is a Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) specializing in lentiviral vectors for gene and cell therapy. Founded in 2015, VIVEbiotech operates under EMA and FDA standards, serving over 40 biotech companies globally. The company focuses on scalable, high-yield manufacturing processes and cutting-edge technologies. With expertise in both ex vivo and in vivo applications, VIVEbiotech supports the development and commercialization of therapies for cancers and rare diseases. For more information about VIVEbiotech, please visit About Ampersand Capital PartnersAmpersand Capital Partners, founded in 1988, is a middle-market private equity firm with $3 billion of assets under management, dedicated to growth-oriented investments in the healthcare sector. With offices in Boston, MA, and Amsterdam, Netherlands, Ampersand leverages a unique blend of private equity and operating experience to build value and drive long-term performance alongside its portfolio company management teams. Ampersand has helped build numerous market-leading companies across each of the firm's core healthcare sectors. For additional information, visit or follow us on LinkedIn. Attachments VIVEbiotech Patricio Massera CONTACT: Naiara Tejados, PhD VIVEbiotech T +34 943 308 568 – Ext. 244 ntejados@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
