Martin Zubimendi already knows one Arsenal teammate very well.placeholder image
Martin Zubimendi already knows one Arsenal teammate very well. | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Mikel Merino penned a welcome letter to new Arsenal signing Martin Zubimendi.
The former Real Sociedad player had been linked with a move to Arsenal for months but the deal was finally confirmed by the club over the weekend. The Gunners put in early work to reach an agreement with the player, which helped them see off a late transfer push from Real Madrid under new manager Xabi Alonso.
Zubimendi will now work with Mikel Arteta and the team during pre-season ahead of the start of the Premier League campaign next month. Arsenal begin their season with a trip to Manchester United on August 17.
Arsenal confirm Martin Zubimendi transfer
The club’s media channel has put together a 10 minute clip showcasing Zubimendi’s first two days as an Arsenal player. From landing at the airport to being given his shirt and from photograph shoots to arriving at the training ground, it’s an insight into what goes on behind-the-scenes of a transfer move.
In part of the video, Zubimendi can be seen in the back of car opening a letter sent to him by new Arsenal colleague Merino. The two players know each other well from their time at Real Sociedad.
Merino moved from Real Sociedad to Arsenal last summer for £31.6 million last summer and he is understood to have been influential in convincing Zubimendi to also join the project. The two players won the Copa del Rey together in 2020 and were also part of the Spanish team that won Euro 2024.
Mikel Merino pens welcome letter to new Arsenal colleague
In the letter, Merino wrote: “Brother, welcome to the Gunners family. I’m very excited to welcome you to your new home. I’m sure you’ll fit right in.
“We’re here to help you every step of the way. It’s the ideal place for the next stage of your career and I hope we can win more titles together, like we’ve been lucky to do so far. Welcome, Mikel Merino.”
In response, Zubimendi said: “Thanks, Meri. I really hope it turns out that way.”
The midfielder becomes the second signing of the summer under sporting director Andrea Berta, following Kepa Arrizabalaga, who made the switch from Chelsea for £5 million. The Gunners are still expected to add a striker, winger and centre-back to their squad.
Speaking about the acquisition of Zubimendi, Berta said: “We are so happy to bring Martin to Arsenal and have a lot of pride in finalising this transfer. Martin was a key target for us and we all know that he is a perfect fit for our squad with the high quality he has.
“We welcome Martin and his family to the club. We look forward to him settling in with his teammates and are very excited to see him playing in an Arsenal shirt.”
In other news, Arsenal and Chelsea target quits Premier League club six months after January links.
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