Arsenal have completed a marquee signing, bringing Real Sociedad’s coveted midfielder Martin Zubimendi to the Emirates Stadium in a deal worth nearly £60 million. The 26-year-old Spain international, who signed a five-year contract, marks the Gunners’ second major acquisition of the summer transfer window, following the arrival of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for £5 million.
Welcome to The Arsenal, Martin Zubimendi 😍
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 6, 2025
The transfer, finalized on July 6, 2025, sees Arsenal pay slightly above Zubimendi’s £51 million (€60m) release clause to structure the payment in installments, a strategic move to maintain financial flexibility for further signings. The deal’s origins trace back to the summer of 2024, when Arsenal’s then-sporting director Edu and his assistant Jason Ayto met with Real Sociedad counterparts in Marbella. Initially focused on securing Mikel Merino, Arsenal laid the groundwork for Zubimendi’s transfer, agreeing to pursue him in 2025 due to budget constraints at the time.
Background on Zubimendi
Zubimendi, a product of Real Sociedad’s famed academy, made 236 appearances for the La Liga club, scoring 10 goals and contributing to their 2019/20 Copa del Rey triumph. His standout performances also earned him 19 caps for Spain, including a pivotal role off the bench in their Euro 2024 final victory over England and a goal in the recent UEFA Nations League final against Portugal, despite Spain’s eventual penalty shootout loss. Spanish football expert Guillem Balague has hailed Zubimendi as “perhaps, after Rodri, the best holding midfielder in the world,” highlighting his elite credentials.
Mikel Arteta, a San Sebastian native like Zubimendi, made the midfielder his primary target to strengthen Arsenal’s midfield, particularly with Jorginho’s departure to Flamengo and Thomas Partey’s contract expiry. Zubimendi’s arrival is expected to complement Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in a dynamic midfield trio, with his ability to control tempo, break pressure lines, and read the game drawing comparisons to Xabi Alonso. Spanish journalist Roberto Ramajo described him as “el cerebro del futuro” (the brain of the future), noting, “He’s not a 10 (out of 10) at anything, but he’s an eight at everything. In the Premier League, he can develop into a 10 at everything.”
Zubimendi expressed his excitement about the move, stating, “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. I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me.” Arteta echoed this enthusiasm, saying, “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 has all the attributes to be a key player for us.”
In the last three seasons no La Liga midfielder has won possession more times than Martín Zubimendi ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/GQMqRWNuzX
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 6, 2025
What does it mean for Arsenal?
The signing comes at a pivotal time for Arsenal, who are also advancing in their pursuit of Sporting CP’s prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres for £70 million and have agreed a £15 million deal for Brentford’s Christian Norgaard. With a healthy financial position under the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules and at least £100 million to spend, Arsenal are poised for a busy transfer window as they aim to end their run of three consecutive second-place finishes and challenge for the Premier League title.
Zubimendi, who will wear the No. 36 shirt, is set to join his teammates at the Sobha Realty Training Centre for pre-season preparations. His arrival, alongside potential further additions, signals Arsenal’s ambition to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level under Arteta’s vision.