Arsenal have completed the signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, the club confirmed on Sunday. The 26-year-old Spanish midfielder, fresh off winning Euro 2024 with Spain, joins the Gunners on a five-year deal reportedly worth £55 million ($75 million).
Zubimendi had been previously linked with Liverpool and Real Madrid, but chose Arsenal due to their playing style and ambition.
“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.”
The Athletic reports that Arsenal paid above his €60 million buyout clause in order to spread the cost across several installments.
Zubimendi, a product of Sociedad’s academy, made 236 appearances for the La Liga club and has 19 international caps for Spain. His arrival strengthens Mikel Arteta’s midfield, following the exits of Thomas Partey and Jorginho.
“Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team,” said Arteta. “He has all the attributes to be a key player for us.”
The move is expected to give Declan Rice a more advanced role in midfield, operating alongside captain Martin Ødegaard.
Zubimendi becomes Arsenal’s second summer signing after goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga joined from Chelsea. The club is also closing in on Brentford’s Christian Nørgaard to further bolster their midfield.
Having finished second in the Premier League for a third straight season and reaching the Champions League semi-finals, Arsenal are pushing hard to end their 20-year title drought.
Attention now shifts to the forward line, with a deal for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres reportedly close. Arsenal have also been linked with Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.
Source: http://thepressradio.com
