🚨 Official: Martin Zubimendi Joins Arsenal in £50M+ Deal
Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad on a five-year contract, with the fee reportedly just over £50 million.
The 26-year-old, considered one of Europe’s most accurate passers, becomes the Gunners’ second summer signing after goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga. Talks also continue over a £70m move for Sporting striker Viktor Gyökeres.
Zubimendi said:
“Arsenal’s style of play suits me. I’ve been aiming for a move like this — it’s a major step in my career. From the moment you arrive, you feel how big this club is.”
🔍 Behind the Scenes: Arsenal’s Long Pursuit
- Arsenal first initiated contact last summer during a discreet meeting in Marbella, where they initially targeted Mikel Merino — but also expressed long-term interest in Zubimendi.
- Despite Liverpool’s serious pursuit, Zubimendi delayed a decision, wary of rushing into a move during Euro 2024.
- Zubimendi’s strong relationship with Mikel Arteta — both from San Sebastián — and the presence of Odegaard and Merino at Arsenal helped sway his decision.
- Arsenal agreed to pay more than his £51m release clause to avoid a one-time lump sum, a requirement in Spain, allowing the fee to be structured over time.
⚠️ Real Madrid Threat & Final Deal Push
- Arsenal feared Real Madrid, especially if Xabi Alonso (who coached Zubimendi at Sociedad B) took over, might try to hijack the deal.
- To prevent that, Arsenal rushed to finalize the move after Alonso’s appointment at Real.
- Despite swirling rumours, Zubimendi kept his promise to Arsenal, officially visiting London Colney in June and completing all formalities.
🧠 Why Arsenal Wanted Him
- Zubimendi has long been on Arteta’s radar, admired for his composure, passing range, and tactical intelligence.
- He’s expected to serve as a deep-lying playmaker, dictating tempo and offering control in midfield — potentially replacing or rotating with Declan Rice and Jorginho.
📌 Bottom Line
Zubimendi’s transfer is a major win for Arsenal — a player they tracked meticulously and secured ahead of rivals like Liverpool and Real Madrid. He’s viewed internally as a “midfield brain of the future,” and his arrival signals the club’s ambitions ahead of the 2024/25 season.
