Arsenal has officially confirmed the signing of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. The 26-year-old joins the Gunners in a deal worth just over his release clause. Instead of directly triggering the clause, Arsenal negotiated a slightly higher fee to structure the payment in installments, a crucial factor in completing the deal under their financial strategy this summer. Zubimendi has been a long-term target for Mikel Arteta.
Zubimendi, a technically gifted and tactically intelligent holding midfielder, brings positional discipline and passing quality in deep areas, strengthening a depleted area of the squad following recent departures. He arrives after a standout spell at Real Sociedad, where he made over 180 appearances and earned a reputation as one of the best No.6s in Europe. His composure under pressure, excellent game-reading, and ability to control tempo make him an ideal fit for Arteta's system.
He is expected to slot directly into the base of midfield, allowing Declan Rice to play further up the pitch, a role where he thrived at times last season. Zubimendi has signed a long-term contract with Arsenal. Arsenal's midfield depth had become a clear concern heading into the new campaign, and Zubimendi's arrival signals a decisive response. This signing also reflects the influence of new transfer chief Andrea Berta, whose strategic approach to squad building is starting to take shape.
Zubimendi came through Real Sociedad's academy and has played 236 games for the club, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists. He also has 19 caps for Spain, scoring two goals.
According to Transfermarkt, Arsenal will pay slightly more than the €60 million release clause included in the player's contract as part of an agreement with Real Sociedad. The fee is higher, allowing the payment in installments rather than one lump sum. The two clubs are thought to share an excellent relationship after Arsenal's signing of Mikel Merino from the Spanish outfit last summer.
With the departure of Jorginho to Flamengo, Arsenal was in dire need of midfield reinforcements, and Zubimendi comes to the Premier League with a high reputation. The 26-year-old was close to joining Liverpool last summer but rejected the Reds to stay at his boyhood club.
Transfermarkt's man in Spain compared the midfielder to Spanish greats such as Xabi Alonso, Sergio Busquets, or Rodri, stating that his market value will undoubtedly increase once he signs for a top team, calling this signing great value for Arsenal.
Arsenal is also expected to sign a striker and a winger this summer, with Viktor Gyökeres and Benjamin Sesko among their targets for the former position, and Real Madrid's Rodrygo reportedly an option for the latter. While much of the focus has been on forward recruitments, Arsenal may have just signed a gem at the heart of their midfield in Zubimendi. He becomes the second most expensive midfielder in the club's history.
Arsenal fans will now be watching closely as Zubimendi links up with his new teammates during pre-season, with expectations high for the 2025/26 campaign.
