After several months of links and speculation, Martin Zubimendi is now finally an Arsenal player.
Arsenal have signed one of the finest midfielders in Europe, and Martin Zubimendi will join Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in the middle next season.
Zubimendi will sit in the number six role allowing Rice to continue his forward forays as a number eight — one of Mikel Arteta’s positional experiments that has worked very well.
Kai Havertz wasn’t able to excel in the role himself, but Rice has made the position his own.
And given that Arsenal are set to sign Christian Norgaard from Brentford in the near future too, Arteta’s midfield is already looking strong for next season.
Martin Zubimendi explains why he’s been ‘surprised’ by Martin Odegaard
Of course, Zubimendi has already played with two of Arsenal’s midfielders already at Real Sociedad: Odegaard and Mikel Merino.
And when speaking in his first interview with Arsenal, Zubimendi was asked about the pair, who he only had positive things to say about.
Arsenal Unveil New Signing Martin Zubimendi
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
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Explaining why he was somewhat taken aback by Odegaard in the past, Zubimendi said: “Apart from how hard Martin works on the pitch, I was surprised by how much he works off the pitch at the gym.
“He is 100% focused on his fitness. As for Real, it’s difficult when you’re on loan, but Martin experienced all that.”
Asked about his relationship with Merino and David Raya from the Spanish national team, Zubimendi continued: “I’m happy to be here with them. I’ve played many games alongside Merino over the years.
“It’s important because it will make the transition much easier for me, and I’m sure they’ll be a great help.”
Mikel Arteta’s first words on Martin Zubimendi
Arteta will be absolutely delighted that Zubimendi will officially wear the #36 shirt for Arsenal next season, a player he’s been chasing for some time.
And when asking about the signing, Arteta explained why he was ‘so excited’ that his £60m compatriot will soon be wearing red.
Arteta said: “Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team. He will fit in really well and he has all the attributes to be a key player for us.
“The standard he has consistently performed at over the last few seasons for both club and country is exactly why we are so excited to have him with us. We all welcome Martin and his family to the club.”
Of course, the Gunners will continue to recruit in several other areas, and one Arsenal target is now ‘confident’ about signing for the club, someone Zubimendi might enjoy playing alongside.