Martin Zubimendi has completed his move to Arsenal from Real Sociedad and the midfielder has revealed the two Gunners stars who convinced him to make the switch
14:15, 06 Jul 2025
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 02: Arsenal unveil new signing Martin Zubimendi at Emirates Stadium on July 02, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Martin Zubimendi has completed his move to Arsenal(Image: Stuart MacFarlane, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Martin Zubimendi has revealed that Arsenal was his top choice as soon as he decided to leave Real Sociedad this summer.
The Spanish midfielder has promised that the 'best is yet to come' from the Gunners as he completed his long-awaited move to the Emirates. Zubimendi spent 15 years with the Basque outfit before making his big move to north London.
Zubimendi's switch to Arsenal was completed on Sunday in a £55million deal, just a year after he declined an offer from Liverpool. The 26-year-old has inked a five-year contract at the Emirates, marking a significant milestone in his football career.
This acquisition is Arsenal's second of the summer, following the addition of Spanish shot-stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for £5m. It's also the second time in a year that the north London club has snapped up a player from Real Sociedad, following Mikel Merino's transfer last summer.
Zubimendi is excited to reunite with his former colleague and join a youthful, driven squad. The midfielder revealed he is eager to contribute to the team reaching its full potential.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 02: Arsenal unveil new signing Martin Zubimendi at Emirates Stadium on July 02, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
The Spanish midfielder is the Gunners' second signing of the window(Image: Stuart MacFarlane, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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"Once I made the decision to leave, I set my sights on Arsenal because I think their style of play is a good fit for me," said Zubimendi in his first interview with the club.
"It’s a young, highly motivated and ambitious team. They have shown their potential recently, and I believe the best is yet to come. As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are. Andrea [Berta] and Mikel [Arteta] took excellent care of me, leaving me with no doubts whatsoever.
"This is a huge moment in my career. 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.”
Zubimendi has already shared the pitch with Arsenal ace Merino and skipper Martin Odegaard. "I'm happy to be here with them," he expressed.
LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 02: Arsenal unveil new signing Martin Zubimendi at Emirates Stadium on July 02, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Zubimendi joined Arsenal one year after snubbing Liverpool(Image: Stuart MacFarlane, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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"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."
Zubimendi's new boss Arteta also grew up in San Sebastian, playing for Antiguoko and later for Sociedad. There are similarities to reflect upon for Zubimendi. He said: “We have a lot in common.
"We come from the same city and played for the same teams. We'll have something to talk about off the pitch, I'm happy about that.”