Football’s worst-kept secret is out, Arsenal have signed Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
The Spanish midfielder pens a five-year deal with the Gunners, who paid £55.3 million, slightly more than his release clause, so that they can pay the fee in favourable instalments.
A star of Euro 2024, the 26-year-old had looked poised to join Premier League champions Liverpool last summer but, despite the Reds activating his release clause and Sociedad being resigned to losing him, Zubimendi had a late change of heart - deciding to remain with his childhood club.
(Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
(Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Following recent departures of Jorginho and Thomas Partey, who left after their contracts expired last month, the Gunners have needed midfield reinforcements, and a deal for Zubimendi has been a long time coming.
Arsenal’s decision to sign the Spaniard was first reported in mid January, with a seemingly never-ending barrage of so-called ‘updates’ following in the months since.
Despite late rumoured interest from Real Madrid, Arsenal were never fearful of a hijack, and formal interest from Los Blancos never materialised - thought to be at least in part due to how advanced a deal with the Gunners was.
Zubimendi is Arsenal’s second summer signing, follow Kepa Arrizabalaga’s arrival earlier this week, but he is expected to be far from the last addition in north London before September.
A deal for another midfielder, Brentford’s Christian Nørgaard, is thought to have been concluded, with the Dane set to further bolster the Gunners’ recently depleted midfield ranks.
Mikel Arteta’s side are also thought to be targeting a versatile defender, left-winger, creative midfielder and a long sought-after striker - leaving new sporting director Andrea Berta with a lot to do before September’s deadline.
Speaking after his transfer was confirmed, Zubimendi revelaed his strong desire to join Arsenal once his Real Sociedad exit became apparent.
"Once I made the decision to leave, I set my sights on Arsenal. This is a huge moment in my career," he said, speaking to the club's media team.
"It's the move I was looking for; one I wanted to make. Of course, it's a big change, but I'm ready to get started."