Arsenal have signed midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a £51m deal.
The Spain international has signed a long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium after Arsenal agreed the transfer in March, having met his £51m release clause.
It is understood the pre-agreement proved important for Arsenal after Real Madrid expressed a strong interest in the 26-year-old last month following Xabi Alonso's arrival as manager.
Liverpool had also been interested in Zubimendi last summer but he turned down a move to Anfield to stay at Real Sociedad.
November 15 2024: Martin Zubimendi of Spain looks on during a UEFA Nations League game, Denmark vs Spain, at Parken, Copenhagen, Denmark. Ulrik Pedersen/CSM (Credit Image: .. Ulrik Pedersen/Cal Sport Media) (Cal Sport Media via AP Images)
Image: Zubimendi was a Liverpool target last summer
Arsenal worked on the Zubimendi deal last summer and had identified him as their No 1 target when the club knew midfielders Jorginho and Thomas Partey were entering the final year of their contracts, with both players subsequently leaving this summer.
It is understood the role Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta played in convincing Zubimendi to wait another year and join Arsenal cannot be underestimated. The pair created a strong and instant connection, which was crucial in making him feel at ease in moving outside of Spain.
Zubimendi's former Real Sociedad team-mate Mikel Merino also played a role in his move to north London, after he joined the Gunners for £31.6m in August 2024.
Arsenal approached the LaLiga side about signing both players last summer but Sociedad did not want to lose the midfield pair in the same window.
Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Real Sociedad and RC Celta de Vigo at Reale Arena on May 13, 2025, in San Sebastian, Spain. AFP7 13/05/2025 (Europa Press via AP)
Image: Martin Zubimendi has completed his move to Arsenal from Real Sociedad
It is understood Arsenal presented a solution with Merino joining in 2024 and Zubimendi joining in 2025.
Zubimendi becomes Arsenal's second signing this summer, joining fellow Spaniard Kepa Arrizabalaga at the club following his £5m move from Chelsea.
Brentford captain Christian Norgaard could follow Zubimendi and Kepa through the Arsenal door after a £15m deal was agreed last month to sign the Bees midfielder, while Chelsea are expecting an offer from the Gunners for Noni Madueke.
A complete No 6? Why Arsenal want Zubimendi
Credit - AP Photo/Getty
Sky Sports' Nick Wright:
Arsenal believe they are acquiring one of the world's best holding midfielders in Martin Zubimendi and they are not the only ones. Having also been coveted by Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona, his elite credentials are clear.
Zubimendi won the European Championship with Spain last year and has thrived domestically as well as internationally, helping boyhood club Real Sociedad win silverware in the Copa del Rey and playing a key role in their return to the Champions League last year.
Here, Zubimendi's former team-mates and coaches compare him to Xabi Alonso and tell Sky Sports what makes him one of the world's best midfielders
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