Picture Credit: X
Arsenal is on a signing spree this season, as they signed a deal of £5m for the transfer of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea. They are also in talks for signing Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres for £70m. The team is also set to revise their midfield strategy post the departure of experienced duo of Thomas Partey and Jorginho. In that process the Gunners are also moving ahead on a deal agreed with Brentford to sign Christian Norgaard for an initial £10m.
But the biggest signing for Arsenal in their midfield revision is the signing of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. Arsenal announced on Sunday, July 6 that they have signed him, having reportedly activated his £51m release clause, with an upfront outlay of £56m. Zubimendi, who rejected an approach from Liverpool last summer, came through the ranks at Real Sociedad before becoming a regular in their first team.
In a post on social media platform X, Arsenal posted a video welcoming Zubimendi, featuring Jazz musician Femi Koleoso. The post reads, “Controlling the tempo. Martin Zubimendi is a Gunner. Original music by Ezra Collective’s Femi Koleoso.”
Zubimendi has signed a five-year deal at the Emirates Stadium after Arsenal agreed the transfer in March. According to the report by Sporting News, the total cost of the deal could rise to £60m based on performance-related add-ons. In his statement, Martin said, “This is a huge moment in my career. It’s the move I was looking for and the one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and team are.” He further said, “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.”
Zubimendi among the three players who played for both Real Sociedad and Arsenal
After signing the deal, Zubimendi became one of the few players, including Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard, and Nacho Monreal, to have played for both Real Sociedad and Arsenal. Zubimendi joins the Gunners after making 236 appearances for Sociedad in all competitions, having progressed through their youth system for the senior team. He was also part of the squad that lifted the 2019-20 Copa del Rey title in April 2021, following a delayed final where they defeated Athletic Club Bilbao.
Last season, Zubimendi was part of the side that got beaten 1-4 at Old Trafford as Sociedad, who finished 11th in La Liga, were knocked out of the Europa League by Manchester United. He has 19 caps and has become a regular for Spain as a result of Rodri being sidelined last season by a serious knee injury.
