Arsenal have completed the signing of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a blockbuster deal worth nearly £60 million, as Mikel Arteta intensifies his summer rebuild at the Emirates.
The 26-year-old, a product of Sociedad’s academy, has penned a five-year contract with the North London club after weeks of negotiations. He becomes Arsenal’s second signing of the window following the £5m acquisition of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea.
The Gunners are not done yet—talks are ongoing with Sporting Lisbon over Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, in a move that could cost up to £70m.
Zubimendi, who rejected interest from Liverpool last summer, leaves behind a legacy of 236 appearances and 10 goals for Sociedad. A composed, deep-lying playmaker, he arrives on the back of a stellar summer, having helped Spain lift Euro 2024, coming on for Rodri in the final against England.
“This is a huge moment in my career,” said Zubimendi. “I set my sights on Arsenal because of their style of play. It suits me. As soon as I arrived, I could feel the size and ambition of this club.”
Mikel Arteta, himself a Basque native and former Sociedad man, could not hide his delight:
“Martin brings immense quality, control and intelligence to our midfield. He’s a winner, a competitor and has been performing at a high level consistently. He fits our DNA.”
Zubimendi’s international profile has grown rapidly in the past year. With Rodri sidelined by injury, the midfielder earned 19 Spain caps, scoring in the Nations League final against Portugal before Spain’s heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat.
In a surprise late twist, Arsenal have also agreed a deal to sign Brentford’s Christian Norgaard for an initial £10m—another savvy Arteta move to bolster depth ahead of a demanding season.
