Arsenal have officially announced the signing of Spanish midfielder, Martin Zubimendi, from Real Sociedad in a deal reportedly worth £55 million ($75 million).
The 26-year-old, who played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, has signed a five-year contract with the North London club.
Zubimendi had attracted strong interest from clubs like Liverpool and Real Madrid, but Arsenal won the race for his signature.
“This is a huge moment in my career,” said Zubimendi. “It’s the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make.
As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are. I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come.”
According to The Athletic, the Gunners paid above his €60 million (£51 million) buyout clause, choosing instead to spread the fee across several instalments.
Zubimendi made 236 appearances for Sociedad in all competitions after progressing through their academy and has earned 19 caps for the Spanish national team.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed high expectations for the new addition: “Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team. He will fit in really well and he has all the attributes to be a key player for us.”
Zubimendi is Arsenal’s second signing of the summer, following the acquisition of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea.
His arrival also signals a strategic shift in midfield, allowing Declan Rice to adopt a more attacking role alongside Martin Ødegaard, especially following the exits of Thomas Partey and Jorginho.
The Gunners, who finished second in the Premier League for a third consecutive season and reached the Champions League semi-finals, are aiming to break their 21-year league title drought.
With midfield reinforcements nearly complete, attention now turns to the front line.
Arsenal are reportedly closing in on a deal for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres, while also being linked to Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.
Injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus last season exposed the team’s lack of depth in the striker position, which they are eager to address ahead of the new campaign.
