Arsenal have officially confirmed the signing of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a £51 million deal, making him the club’s second acquisition of the summer transfer window.
The 26-year-old joins on a five-year contract and will wear the No. 36 shirt at the Emirates Stadium.
Zubimendi, long admired by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, arrives as a key piece in the club’s midfield rebuild following the departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho. The Spanish international is expected to fill the defensive midfield role, anchoring a trio alongside Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard.
In his first interview as an Arsenal player, Zubimendi described the transfer as a career milestone:
“I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me,” he said. “Andrea [Berta] and Mikel [Arteta] took excellent care of me, leaving me with no doubts whatsoever.”
He will immediately link up with the squad for a warm-weather training camp in Spain before the club embarks on its pre-season tour to Singapore and Hong Kong later this month.
Arsenal insiders have labeled Zubimendi a “Tier One” signing, citing his elite passing accuracy, tactical awareness, leadership qualities, and strong injury record as key attributes that align with the club’s recruitment standards.
This signing follows the earlier arrival of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for £5 million, as the Gunners prepare for a fresh Premier League title charge in the 2025/26 season.
