Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Spanish midfielder Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, in a deal reportedly worth around £55 million ($75 million), making him the Gunners’ second acquisition of the summer transfer window.
The 26-year-old Euro 2024 winner has signed a five-year contract at the Emirates Stadium, bolstering Mikel Arteta’s midfield options following the departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho. The deal was announced on Sunday by the North London club.
Zubimendi had long been a target for several European giants, including Liverpool and Real Madrid, but Arsenal won the race for his signature after reportedly offering above his €60 million (£51m/$71m) buyout clause in order to spread the payment in installments.
“This is a huge moment in my career,” said Zubimendi after completing the move.
“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.
I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They’ve shown their potential recently and I believe the best is yet to come.”
Zubimendi, a graduate of Real Sociedad’s academy, made 236 appearances for the La Liga club across all competitions and has earned 19 caps for Spain, including key appearances during their Euro 2024 title run.
Arteta Praises Intelligence and Fit
Manager Mikel Arteta expressed his delight at the addition, describing Zubimendi as a high-calibre player with the right profile for Arsenal’s system.
“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’s arrival is expected to free up Declan Rice, Arsenal’s record signing, to operate in a more advanced midfield role alongside captain Martin Ødegaard, as Arteta continues to refine the team’s tactical shape.
Busy Transfer Window for the Gunners
Zubimendi becomes Arsenal’s second signing of the summer after goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga arrived from Chelsea to provide additional competition in goal. The Gunners are also reportedly close to sealing a deal for Brentford midfielder Christian Nørgaard, as the club looks to add more depth and versatility in central midfield.
Arsenal finished second in the Premier League for a third consecutive season and reached the semi-finals of the 2024/25UEFA Champions League, but ended the 2024/25 campaign without silverware—extending their trophy drought to five seasons.
Next Target: A Striker
With midfield reinforcements nearly secured, Arsenal’s focus now shifts to their forward line. Reports suggest the club is on the verge of finalising a deal for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres, viewed as the ideal solution to their long-standing need for a prolific No. 9.
Long-term injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz last season left the team short of options up front, forcing tactical reshuffles. Arsenal have also been linked with Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, as Arteta seeks to strengthen attacking depth.
As pre-season preparations get underway, Arsenal are positioning themselves for another major title challenge—eager to dethrone Liverpool and fend off competition from Manchester City in the race for a first Premier League title since the 2003/04 Invincibles campaign.