Arsenal have confirmed the signing of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for a fee close to £60 million.
The 26-year-old becomes the Gunners’ second major addition of the summer, following the £5m arrival of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea. Talks are also ongoing to bring in Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres in a potential £70m move.
Zubimendi, who turned down Liverpool last summer, spent his entire professional career at Real Sociedad, rising through the youth system to make 236 senior appearances and score 10 goals. He has signed a five-year deal at Emirates Stadium.
“This is a huge step in my career,” Zubimendi said. “Joining Arsenal was exactly the move I was hoping for. You feel the scale of this club the moment you arrive.
“Their style of play suits me perfectly, and the progress they’ve shown recently tells me the best is still to come.”
Zubimendi featured in Sociedad’s 2023–24 Europa League campaign, which ended with a 4-1 loss at Old Trafford to Manchester United. The club finished 11th in La Liga.
Internationally, he played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, coming on at half-time in the final to replace Rodri, helping Spain lift the trophy with a 1-0 win over England thanks to a goal from Mikel Oyarzabal. He now has 19 senior caps for Spain and scored in their Nations League final against Portugal, which Spain ultimately lost on penalties.
“Martin brings immense quality and intelligence to our midfield,” said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. “His consistency at both club and international level is exactly why we were so determined to bring him here. He’ll integrate perfectly and has everything to become a central figure in our squad.”
Arsenal have also reached an agreement to sign Brentford midfielder Christian Nørgaard for an initial £10 million as they continue to reshape their midfield options ahead of the new season.
