Arsenal secure the signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for £60m, adding quality and depth to their midfield. Learn more about the deal, Zubimendi’s journey, and what he brings to the Gunners.
Arsenal Secure £60m Move for Zubimendi: A Strategic Signing for Mikel Arteta
In a significant move to bolster their midfield, Arsenal have completed the £60m signing of Spanish international Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. The deal represents a key part of manager Mikel Arteta’s ongoing vision for the Gunners, strengthening an area where the team has long needed reinforcement.
Zubimendi’s arrival at the Emirates marks the second major signing of Arsenal’s summer transfer window, following the acquisition of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea. At 26, Zubimendi arrives with a wealth of experience, having played 236 games for Real Sociedad, scoring 10 goals, and becoming a pivotal figure in their midfield.
A Perfect Fit for Arsenal’s Style
Zubimendi’s deep-lying playmaker role makes him an ideal fit for Arteta’s tactical setup. Known for his passing range and football intelligence, he has the ability to control the tempo of a match and is equally adept at both defending and distributing the ball. His style mirrors that of former Sociedad players, Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Arteta himself, and his relationship with these two figures from his days at the Spanish club likely played a significant role in his decision to join Arsenal.
“It’s the move I was looking for,” said Zubimendi upon completing the transfer. “As soon as you step foot here, you realize 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.”
Zubimendi’s decision to move to North London was not a spur-of-the-moment choice. Last year, Liverpool expressed serious interest in the midfielder, but Zubimendi, despite being tempted by the move to Anfield, ultimately chose to bide his time. He was more focused on finding a move that matched his footballing philosophy, and the opportunity to play under Arteta, with former Sociedad teammates Ødegaard and Mikel Merino, was too good to pass up.
A Journey That Started Long Ago
The groundwork for Zubimendi’s move to Arsenal began in earnest back in June, during a meeting in Marbella. At the time, Arsenal were pursuing midfielder Mikel Merino, but the club had already earmarked Zubimendi as a potential future signing. Arsenal’s desire was clear: to secure Zubimendi in the summer of 2025 but to start laying the groundwork early.
While Real Sociedad had a release clause for Zubimendi set at £51m, Arsenal expressed interest in paying above the release clause. This would allow the club to structure the deal in a way that avoided paying the full amount in one go, a move that suited Arsenal’s financial planning for the future.
However, one obstacle remained: Real Madrid. With Xabi Alonso’s appointment as Madrid’s head coach, there were fears that the Spanish giants could hijack Arsenal’s deal. But despite growing interest from Madrid, Zubimendi remained committed to his word, and by the time Arsenal finalized the deal in January, the club had all but wrapped up the agreement.
Zubimendi’s Record: A Midfield Maestro
Zubimendi’s time at Real Sociedad was marked by consistent growth. He earned his spot as a mainstay in the first team, contributing with his passing, vision, and defensive stability. Over the years, he became one of La Liga’s most reliable midfielders, regularly competing at the top level in both domestic and European competitions.
Internationally, Zubimendi has enjoyed success as well. His most recent achievement came when he was part of Spain’s Euro 2024-winning squad. In the final, he came on for Manchester City’s Rodri at halftime, helping Spain seal a 1-0 win over England. His performances on the international stage have only enhanced his reputation, and Arsenal’s signing of him represents a significant coup for the Gunners.
A Long-Term Investment
The 26-year-old has signed a five-year deal with Arsenal, cementing his place in the club’s future plans. Arteta sees Zubimendi not just as a quality addition for the present, but as a player who will grow with the team, providing both depth and stability in the long term. His ability to read the game and make decisive passes in key areas will complement the attacking talent that surrounds him at the Emirates.
“I’m really excited to bring Martin to Arsenal,” Arteta commented on the signing. “He’s a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team. His experience at the highest level, both at club and international level, will be invaluable, and we’re looking forward to him making a big impact on the pitch.”
Arsenal’s Ambitious Summer
Zubimendi’s arrival marks just the beginning of Arsenal’s ambitions for the summer. In addition to the £60m transfer fee for Zubimendi, Arsenal have reportedly agreed a deal with Brentford to sign midfielder Christian Norgaard for £10m. These additions are reflective of Arsenal’s desire to strengthen their squad to compete on multiple fronts, especially as they push for Premier League and Champions League success.
With Zubimendi now in place, Arteta has a midfield that combines youth and experience, with the added benefit of technical skill and intelligence. The Gunners are slowly but surely building a squad that can challenge for titles, and Zubimendi’s acquisition is an important step in that direction.
