Martin Zubimendi is now an Arsenal player but one key detail confirmed in his transfer from Real Sociedad could create a knock-on for one existing star.
As football.london reported, months of negotiations have culminated in the successful capture of Zubimendi. Even with Real Madrid popping up late in the process, the Spanish midfielder had agreed his switch three months prior and nothing was changing his trajectory.
"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 the 26-year-old at his unveiling.
"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."
Mikel Arteta has his man, ready to fit right in for the start of pre-season on Monday, July 7, with one eye on a possible club debut in the first friendly of the summer vs AC Milan on July 23.
And with his arrival it has already been confirmed Zubimendi is to wear the squad number 36 upon his back whilst playing for the club.
Arsenal unveil new signing Martin Zubimendi at Emirates Stadium
Martin Zubimendi sees his name and squad number on the back of an Arsenal shirt for the first time (Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
The Spanish international had worn the No.4 shirt at Real Sociedad but that is not an option at Arsenal because it is already occupied by defender Ben White. Still, No.36 holds significance for Zubimendi as it is the one he wore after he first broke into his former club's senior team in 2018/19, through to the end of the 2020/21 campaign.
For Arsenal it has not been a number typically occupied, however it was actually used by 19-year-old goalkeeper Tommy Setford in his breakthrough season at the Emirates Stadium last year.
Setford arrived with the Gunners from AFC Ajax's academy in July 2024, the deal being worth around €1m (£860k). He was given the No.36 for his professional debut, which came a lot sooner than expected.
David Raya was rested and last season's loanee back-up Neto being cup-tied, the teenager was thrust into Arteta's side at Deepdale and he kept a clean sheet in that 3-0 Carabao Cup win vs Preston North End.
The majority of Setford's minutes last term came playing for the academy's teams, now approaching the new season a new plan of action must be decided.
Zubimendi having No.36 would mean he would have to be allocated a new squad number, if he is to stay. Otherwise there is the option of completing a loan switch for the season to gain valuable experience.
Arteta is well-stocked in the department with Premier League golden glove winner Raya now backed up by £5m signing Kepa Arrizabalaga. Amongst the younger contingent who can act as reserve are Karl Hein and Jack Porter, the latter also trusted in the Carabao Cup last season.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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