Arsenal have officially completed the signing of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a deal worth £51 million. The 26-year-old has signed a five-year contract and will wear the number 36 shirt.
The transfer brings an end to months of speculation linking Zubimendi with a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal fending off interest from other top European clubs. Manager Mikel Arteta, who shares Basque roots with the midfielder, was key to securing the deal.
Zubimendi is expected to add tactical intelligence, composure, and deep-lying playmaking ability to Arsenal’s midfield, following the departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho. His arrival is seen as part of a broader restructuring of the team’s central unit, where he will join forces with Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.
In his first comments as an Arsenal player, Zubimendi described the move as a defining moment in his career. He praised the club’s style of play and the ambition shown by its leadership, saying he is eager to contribute to Arsenal’s push for silverware.
Arteta welcomed the midfielder with enthusiasm, describing him as a player with exceptional football intelligence and the quality needed to elevate the team’s game.
Zubimendi’s signing marks Arsenal’s second major acquisition of the summer window. He is expected to join the squad immediately as the team begins its pre-season preparations.
