Arsenal complete deal for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi

Arsenal have finalized a £51 million deal to sign Real Sociedad’s dynamic midfielder Martin Zubimendi, securing him on a long-term contract after reaching an agreement with the player in March.

The Spanish international, previously linked with Premier League champions Liverpool and Spanish giants Real Madrid, has signed a five-year deal, keeping him at the Emirates Stadium until 2030.

The 26-year-old becomes Arsenal’s second acquisition of the summer transfer window, following the arrival of compatriot Kepa Arrizabalaga from rivals Chelsea for a £5 million release clause.

The Gunner outpaced the other suitors for the midfielder’s signature after a preliminary agreement was initiated following Los Blancos’s interest in the player last month, after Xabi Alonso’s appointment as manager.

Liverpool, on the other hand, was disappointingly rejected by Zubimendi last summer in his decision to stay at Real Sociedad after helping Spain win Euro 2024.

Martin Zubimendi for Spain — Martin Zubimendi won the Euro 2024 with Spain(Image: Getty Images)

Arsenal identified Zubimendi as a top priority when it became clear that midfielders Jorginho and Thomas Partey were in the final year of their contracts, both of whom departed the club this summer.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was instrumental in persuading Zubimendi to delay his move for a year and join the club, with the player’s former Real Sociedad teammate Mikel Merino also contributing to his decision to transfer to north London following Merino’s £31.6 million move to the Gunners in August 2024.

Martin Zubimendi at Arsenal — Martin Zubimendi (L) with Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta (R)

Brentford captain Christian Nørgaard could join Zubimendi and Kepa at Arsenal, with a £15 million deal agreed last month to secure the Bees midfielder, while Chelsea anticipate an offer from the Gunners for Noni Madueke.

Over the weekend, reports confirmed that Arsenal have finalized personal terms with the England international, awaiting a formal agreement between the clubs.

Zubimendi, who came through Real Sociedad’s academy, spent his entire career with the club, amassing 236 appearances across all competitions.

Zubimendi said, after completing his move to Arsenal:

“This is a huge moment in my career. 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.”

Zubimendi will don the No. 36 jersey and link up with his new Arsenal teammates in preparation for pre-season.