Arsenal has finalized the acquisition of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a deal valued at nearly £60 million.
The Spanish midfielder becomes the Gunners’ second signing of the summer transfer window, following goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga’s arrival from Chelsea for £5 million.
Arsenal is also in discussions to sign Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres for £70 million.
Zubimendi, who turned down an offer from Liverpool last summer, developed through the youth system at Real Sociedad and established himself as a regular in the first team.
The 26-year-old deep-lying midfielder has made 236 appearances for the Spanish club, scoring 10 goals, and has signed a five-year contract.
“This is a significant moment in my career,” Zubimendi stated. “This is the move I was hoping for and wanted to make.
As soon as you arrive here, you understand the magnitude of this club and team. I chose Arsenal because their style of play suits me well. They’ve shown great potential recently, and I believe the best is yet to come.”
Last season, Zubimendi was part of the team that lost 4-1 at Old Trafford as Sociedad, who finished 11th in La Liga, were eliminated from the Europa League by Manchester United.
Read also:
- Arsenal finalizing move to sign Gyokeres for £70m
- Burnley seals Kyle Walker’s transfer from Man City in £5m deal
- Djokovic dominates Evans to advance at Wimbledon
He was instrumental in helping Spain win Euro 2024, coming on for Manchester City’s Rodri at halftime in the final against England, where Mikel Oyarzabal’s goal secured the trophy for Spain.
Zubimendi has earned 19 caps and has become a regular for the national team, especially after Rodri suffered a serious knee injury last season.
He also scored in the recent Nations League final against Portugal, although Spain lost in the penalty shootout.
“Martin is a player who will add significant quality and football intelligence to our team,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. “He will integrate well and possesses all the qualities to be a key player for us.
The level he has consistently maintained over the past few seasons for both club and country is precisely why we are thrilled to have him on board.”
Arsenal has also reached an agreement with Brentford to sign midfielder Christian Norgaard for an initial £10 million.
The process leading to Zubimendi’s signing began last June on Spain’s southern coast. However, the groundwork for his move to the Emirates Stadium was laid long before that discreet visit to Andalusia.
Arteta had closely monitored Zubimendi, impressed by his precise and timely passing abilities.
As a match controller, Zubimendi became a focal point for the Arsenal head coach.
With this in mind, a delegation from the Emirates, including then sporting director Edu and his assistant Jason Ayto, traveled to Marbella for discussions with Real Sociedad officials.
They were welcomed by Roberto Alabe, the club’s then sporting director, and president Jokin Aperribay.
