Arsenal sign Zubimendi for £51m

Arsenal have announced the signing of midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a £51 million deal.

Arsenal announced Zubimendi‘s signing via a statement on Sunday.

“We’re delighted to announce that Spain international Martin Zubimendi has joined us on a long-term contract,” the Premier League club stated.

The Spain international has signed a long-term contract at the Emirates Stadium after the Gunners agreed the transfer in March, having met his £51 million release clause.

It is understood the pre-agreement proved important for Arsenal after Real Madrid expressed a strong interest in the 26-year-old midfielder last month following Xabi Alonso’s arrival as manager.

Liverpool had also been interested in Zubimendi last summer but he turned down a move to Anfield to stay at Real Sociedad after helping Spain win Euro 2024.

Zubimendi said: “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.

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“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.”

Also speaking, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said: “Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team. He will fit in really well and he 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.

“We all welcome Martin and his family to the club.”

Zubimendi will wear the number 36 shirt and will join up with his new team-mates ahead of pre-season.

Zubimendi becomes Arsenal’s second signing this summer, joining fellow Spaniard Kepa Arrizabalaga at the club following his £5m move from Chelsea.

The Star