Arsenal Acquires Martin Zubimendi
Arsenal Football Club has officially announced the acquisition of midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a deal valued at approximately €65 million (£55 million, $76.5 million). This fee exceeds Zubimendi’s release clause of about €60 million (£51 million), with the Gunners opting to structure the payment in instalments rather than as a single transaction.
Transfer Details
In a significant move for their summer transfer campaign, Zubimendi recently traveled to London to finalize contract arrangements with the Premier League side. Real Sociedad had previously expressed a preference to conclude the signing after the start of July for fiscal reasons. The 26-year-old joins Arsenal as their second summer signing, following the appointment of Andrea Berta as sporting director in March, and the arrival of Chelsea’s goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Future Prospects
In addition to Zubimendi, Arsenal is reportedly in discussions with Brentford regarding a potential deal for midfielder Christian Norgaard and is pursuing a transfer for defender Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia. The club has also reached agreement on personal terms with Noni Madueke, indicating intentions to approach Chelsea for the winger’s services.
Despite interest from Real Madrid, they opted against pursuing Zubimendi during this transfer window. Arsenal’s renewed interest in the midfielder stems from earlier negotiations over Mikel Merino‘s potential move to the Emirates last summer. Liverpool had also made an attempt to secure Zubimendi’s signature in the 2024 summer transfer window.
Midfield Strengthening
Strengthening their midfield was imperative for Arsenal following the departures of Jorginho, who left for Flamengo, and Thomas Partey, who exited as a free agent. Zubimendi, a graduate of Real Sociedad’s academy, made 236 appearances for the Basque club, scoring two goals and contributing two assists throughout the previous La Liga season, which saw La Real finish in 11th place.
International Experience
Moreover, Zubimendi has represented Spain’s senior national team 19 times since his debut in 2021, netting twice after having played in various youth setups. Arsenal previously concluded the 2024-25 season in second place in the Premier League and reached the Champions League semi-finals but have not secured any silverware for five consecutive seasons.
Looking Ahead
As they strengthen their squad, Arsenal also has its sights set on newcomers such as Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko to fortify their attacking options ahead of the upcoming season.
Zubimendi’s Playing Style
Renowned for his upbringing in a football-driven environment inspired by Xabi Alonso, Zubimendi has developed a style that blends technical proficiency with tactical awareness. He bolstered Real Sociedad’s midfield during their recent campaign, noted for his ability to execute crucial passes under pressure.
His role typically involves initiating play from deep, showcasing not only technical skill but also nerve and lucid decision-making to facilitate his team’s progression on the pitch. Zubimendi’s aptitude for reading the game and executing “mini-battles” between defense and midfield has been invaluable to Real Sociedad’s strategy, where they often play intricate, risky passes to draw in opposing teams. This intricate understanding of the game positions Zubimendi as a pivotal player for Arsenal as they continue to refine their squad for the season ahead.
