London, UK – Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Spain international midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a deal reportedly worth nearly £60 million.
The 26-year-old becomes the Gunners’ second acquisition of the summer transfer window, following the £5 million arrival of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea. Arsenal are also understood to be in talks to sign Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres for £70 million.
Zubimendi, who rejected an approach from Liverpool last summer, rose through Real Sociedad’s academy ranks to become a first-team regular. The deep-lying midfielder made 236 appearances for the Spanish club, scoring 10 goals, and has signed a five-year contract with Arsenal.
“This is a huge moment in my career,” said Zubimendi. “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 have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come.”
Last season, Zubimendi was part of the Real Sociedad side that finished 11th in La Liga and was knocked out of the Europa League by Manchester United, suffering a 4-1 defeat at Old Trafford.
On the international stage, Zubimendi was a key figure in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph. He came on for Manchester City’s Rodri at half-time in the final against England, as Mikel Oyarzabal’s goal secured the trophy for Spain. He has earned 19 caps and has become a regular for his national side due to Rodri’s absence last season with a serious knee injury. Zubimendi also scored in the recent Nations League final against Portugal, before Spain lost on penalties.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his enthusiasm for the new signing. “Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team,” Arteta stated. “He will fit in really well and has all the attributes to be a key player for us. The standard he has consistently performed at over the last few seasons for both club and country is exactly why we are so excited to have him with us.”
Arsenal have also agreed a deal with Brentford to sign midfielder Christian Norgaard for an initial £10 million.
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