Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Martin Zubimendi with the midfielder heading to the Emirates from Real Sociedad in a £51million transfer
Martin Zubimendi
Martin Zubimendi has been confirmed as an Arsenal player(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Martin Zubimendi has been part of Mikel Arteta’s midfield masterplan for more than a year. And now finally, Arsenal boss Arteta has got the missing piece of the jigsaw with the £51m arrival of one of Europe’s top midfielders.
Arteta actually wanted to buy Zubimendi AND Mikel Merino last summer but Real Sociedad did not want to sell both their star midfielders in the same transfer window. Merino, 29, arrived in a £32m deal but Arsenal used that as an opportunity to sew the seeds for the Zubimendi deal and were prepared to be patient.
This, after all, was a player they had tracked and tried to get even before last summer but Zubimendi has always been a “home bird,” reluctant to leave his home in San Sebastián after 15 years at Real Sociedad. Liverpool thought they had a deal with Zubimendi last summer but the Spain international did not want to move and it was clearly Arsenal’s long-standing interest and Arteta which have been key.
Arteta championed the deal because they knew Thomas Partey and Jorginho were into the final year of their deals while Zubimendi was the Arsenal manager’s dream midfield anchorman.
Zubimendi, 26, has already won the Euros with Spain so is a top class performer with an ability to control games, set the tempo and is seen as a hard worker with a strong mentality. His passing range is key with accuracy and decisive passes. He is also very rarely injured and that will be crucial for Arsenal after last season saw so many players - including big new signing Riccardo Calafiori - on the treatment table.
The arrival may also unlock Merino’s full potential as they are friends, teammates reunited and also have dovetailed well together in the past. It gives Arsenal options and the ability to use Declan Rice to push further forward which has become such a part of his game while they also have Christian Norgaard on the horizon as back-up and competition plus Martin Odegaard as the creator in chief.
But because of Zubimendi’s loyalty to Real Sociedad - any transfer would be a huge step for him both personally and for his career - it was vital that Arsenal got it tied down.
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
They stayed in constant contact with Zubimendi and Real Sociedad, agreed the deal back in March which meant everything was in place for this summer to complete the medical and formalities. When Real Madrid showed even the slightest of interest as Xabi Alonso took charge, there was never any danger.
It was all done for Arsenal. When Andrea Berta joined as sporting director, it was obvious that he was just as much on board as Arteta.
The problem Arsenal have had is that this deal has felt like it was done months ago. It is missing a sense of surprise and excitement - because everyone has known it was coming. But the fact is Arsenal have signed one of the best midfielders in Europe and Zubimendi is a significant upgrade on last season with the options and quality he brings.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, gestures during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United FC at Emirates Stadium on May 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta is turning up the heat in the transfer window
Zubimendi told the Arsenal website: “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. 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.”
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