Arsenal on Sunday announced the signing of midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a deal reportedly worth around £55 million ($75 million).
The Euro 2024 winner, who had previously been a target for Liverpool and was also linked with Real Madrid, has signed a five-year contract with the Gunners.
“This is a huge moment in my career,” said the defensive midfielder. “It’s the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are.”
He added: “I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come.”
The Athletic reported that Arsenal paid above Zubimendi’s €60 million ($71 million, £51 million) buyout clause to structure the fee in installments.
The 26-year-old, a product of Sociedad’s academy, made 236 appearances for the club and has earned 19 caps for Spain. His arrival bolsters Mikel Arteta’s midfield following the departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho.
Zubimendi’s signing also allows Arsenal’s record buy Declan Rice to adopt a more advanced role alongside captain Martin Ødegaard.
“Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team,” said Arteta. “He will fit in really well and he has all the attributes to be a key player for us.”
Zubimendi becomes Arsenal’s second summer signing after goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga’s arrival from Chelsea. The club is also close to finalizing a deal for Brentford’s Christian Nørgaard.
After finishing as Premier League runners-up for a third consecutive year and reaching the Champions League semi-finals, Arsenal remain trophy-less since 2020. The focus now shifts to strengthening their attack, with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres reportedly nearing a move. Chelsea’s Noni Madueke has also been linked as Arteta seeks to end the club’s 20-year title drought.