Arsenal have officially unveiled their second summer signing—Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi—following a £60 million deal with Real Sociedad. The 26-year-old signs a five-year contract, joining the Gunners as Mikel Arteta continues to reinforce his midfield. Zubimendi expressed excitement about the move, citing Arsenal’s tactical style and recent progress as key motivations. His arrival follows that of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, as Arsenal push forward in their transfer strategy, also currently negotiating a possible £70 million deal for Viktor Gyokeres.
Zubimendi, known as one of Europe’s elite passers, rejected Liverpool last summer, opting instead for a move that better suited his development. Having tallied 236 appearances and 10 goals for Sociedad, he now embarks on a new chapter in North London. The midfielder emphasized the significance of this move for his career and praised the atmosphere and stature of the club. His vision of Arsenal’s playing style aligned with his strengths, making the decision to join both strategic and emotional.
The groundwork for this transfer was laid as far back as June 2024, when Arsenal sent a delegation, including Edu and Jason Ayto, to Marbella. Though their initial intent was to negotiate a deal for Mikel Merino, they also disclosed a deeper interest in Zubimendi. Their budget at the time couldn’t support both signings, so they agreed to delay Zubimendi’s transfer by a year. Despite Liverpool’s advances, the player showed restraint, unwilling to make a hasty move during a busy European Championship summer.
Zubimendi’s desire to reunite with former teammates Martin Ødegaard and potentially Merino, along with the opportunity to play under Arteta—a fellow San Sebastian native—was a compelling prospect. While Liverpool were close to securing his signature, Zubimendi and his camp handled the situation with discretion and respect. Behind closed doors, Arsenal had secured verbal agreements for both players. Crucially, they proposed paying more than his £51 million release clause to sidestep La Liga’s full-upfront payment requirement.
This same clause-related obstacle has hindered Arsenal’s interest in other Spanish players, such as Nico Williams. Yet in Zubimendi’s case, both clubs found common ground on a flexible structure. However, another threat loomed—Real Madrid. Arsenal feared Los Blancos might swoop in, especially if Xabi Alonso, who had coached Zubimendi at Sociedad B, took over at the Bernabéu. The duo shared the same agency, further complicating matters and raising Arsenal’s urgency to formalize the deal.
Edu’s resignation in November transferred responsibility to Ayto, who, alongside James King, finalized the contract and medical protocols by January. As rumours of Real Madrid’s interest grew—especially after Alonso’s appointment—Spanish media intensified speculation, featuring Zubimendi on front pages as a likely Madrid target. But the groundwork Arsenal had laid proved unshakable. The deal had already been effectively closed for over six months, and the midfielder remained loyal to his word.
Zubimendi arrived in London in late June to meet his new teammates and complete media responsibilities. He was photographed holding the Arsenal shirt with the number 36. Despite other clubs showing interest, he remained firm in his commitment to Arsenal—a trait that won over the club’s leadership. His attitude throughout was described as calm and professional, signalling a player who already understands the pressures and prestige of top-tier football.
This signing marks a pivotal moment in Arsenal’s rebuild. Though sporting director Andrea Berta now takes the reins, Zubimendi’s acquisition is the legacy of Edu and Ayto’s strategic vision and persistence. With the Spaniard now officially an Arsenal player, the Gunners have secured not just a gifted midfielder but a player long admired by Arteta, one expected to orchestrate games from deep and lead the next phase of Arsenal’s evolution on the pitch.
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