It’s official - Zubimendi is off to the Premier League

The Martín Zubimendi transfer saga has finally come to an end—and Arsenal fans have reason to celebrate. A year after snatching up Mikel Merino for $37.6 million (€32 million), the Gunners have once again dipped into Real Sociedad’s talent pool, securing the signature of Spanish international Martín Zubimendi.

At 26, Zubimendi had previously turned down Liverpool last summer to stay loyal to Real Sociedad. Even Real Madrid made a serious push to sign him, especially with club legend Xabi Alonso taking the reins at the Bernabéu. But in the end, it was fellow Basque native and Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta who proved most persuasive.

Arteta’s influence made all the difference in bringing Zubimendi to North London—where he’s expected to play a pivotal role in midfield. For the Gunners, this move feels like a statement of intent: Arteta finally has his own version of Rodri.

Zubimendi keeps promise to Arteta

After weeks of tense negotiations, reports out of England reveal that Real Madrid made three separate inquiries to Martín Zubimendi’s representatives regarding his availability and image rights. But the Spanish midfielder had already given his word to Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta—and he wasn’t about to break that promise.

The English club struck a deal with Real Sociedad—where the player was under contract through 2027—to bring him to North London. The Gunners agreed to pay nearly €70 million (around $76 million), surpassing his €60 million release clause, structuring the payment across several installments.

The midfield has earned 19 caps for Spain’s national team, making his debut in the international friendly win against Lithuania on June 8 2021. His first goal for La Roja came last October when he scored the winner in the Nations League group stage win over Denmark in Murcia.

Zubimendi reunited with old team mates

The move to North London won’t just be a fresh start for Zubimendi— in some ways it will feel like a homecoming. At Arsenal, he’ll once again share a locker room with former Real Sociedad teammate Mikel Merino, reigniting a midfield partnership that once flourished in La Liga.

But there’s another reunion on the cards: Zubimendi will also link up with Martin Ødegaard. The Norwegian playmaker, now Arsenal’s captain, shared the pitch with Zubimendi five times during the 2019–2020 season—back when the Spanish midfielder was just 21 and still making his mark at Real Sociedad. Despite the brief overlap, that early connection could pay dividends as the Gunners look to build a midfield capable of challenging Europe’s elite.

Zubimendi’s arrival at the Emirates puts the finishing touch on what’s quickly becoming one of Europe’s most formidable midfields. The former Real Sociedad standout is expected to be the perfect complement to Declan Rice, Ødegaard, and Mikel Merino—slotting into the deep-lying pivot role and anchoring Arsenal’s buildup play with poise and precision.

With Jorginho now back in Brazil after joining Flamengo on a free transfer—and the even more controversial exit of Thomas Partey—the Gunners were in urgent need of a true positional midfielder to raise the floor (and ceiling) of their squad. In that respect, Zubimendi fits Mikel Arteta’s blueprint to perfection.

This lastest operation marks a symbolic first step in a bold new chapter for Arsenal. The Spanish midfielder is the inaugural signing under newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta—an Italian executive with a proven track record from his successful tenure at Atlético Madrid.

Berta’s mission in North London is crystal clear: build a title-contending squad capable of ending Arsenal’s silverware drought, with a particular focus on finally capturing the elusive Premier League crown. Zubimendi’s signing isn’t just strategic—it’s a statement.

And it’s only the beginning. The Gunners are expected to stay busy this summer, with several high-profile signings reportedly in the works to elevate the squad’s depth, quality, and hunger for trophies.

Arsenal looking to bolster their attack

With Kieran Tierney and Oleksandr Zinchenko expected to be moving on and contract extensions for Bukayo Saka and William Saliba (both expiring in 2027) still under negotiation, Arsenal’s new sporting director has made one thing crystal clear: revitalizing the front line is this summer’s top priority.

According to The Independent, the Gunners have compiled an ambitious shortlist of striker targets—highlighting the club’s intent to back Mikel Arteta with firepower. Names include: Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko, Hugo Ekitike, Viktor Gyökeres, Ollie Watkins and Antoine Semenyo.

Zubimendi’s signing, combined with the pursuit of Chelsea winger Noni Madueke and the already-official arrival of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga as backup, means Arsenal’s total summer investment for 2025 could skyrocket past the $215 million mark—and potentially even eclipse $325 million by deadline day.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.