Done deal: Arsenal have signed Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a transfer worth £51m
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Arsenal Football Newsletter
Such a move had been in the offing for several months having first been reported back in January, though Real Madrid are believed to have shown late interest in hijacking Arsenal’s swoop for Zubimendi after appointing Sociedad legend Xabi Alonso as their new manager to succeed Carlo Ancelotti.
However, the 26-year-old has now signed a five-year contract at the Emirates Stadium to become Mikel Arteta’s second signing of the summer, following the £5m arrival of compatriot Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea last week to provide competition for No1 goalkeeper David Raya.
Spain midfielder Zubimendi will wear the No36 shirt at Arsenal
Zubimendi will take the No36 shirt at Arsenal, which had previously belong to young goalkeeper Tommy Setford and also been worn by the likes of Emiliano Martinez, Ismael Bennacer, Johan Djourou and Jermaine Pennant over the last two decades.
The 26-year-old had the same number at Sociedad between 2018/19 and 2020/21, initially moving to No3 before wearing No4 over the past two seasons.