Arsenal have officially signed 26‑year‑old Spain international Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, triggering his €60 million (£51 million) release clause and securing him on a long‑term deal. The defensive midfielder, who has amassed over 230 first-team appearances and 19 caps for La Roja, will wear the number 36 shirt and link up with Mikel Arteta’s squad ahead of preseason .
Zubimendi’s move, confirmed in March but completed this July, saw Arsenal outpace interest from Real Madrid and Liverpool, who had admired him following Spain’s triumphant Euro 2024 campaign.
Arteta, a fellow San Sebastián native and former Sociedad player, played a pivotal role in persuading the midfielder to make the leap .
At the Emirates, Zubimendi is expected to join Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard in a formidable midfield trio, reinforcing the spine of what Arsenal hope will be a title‑challenging team next season.
Real Sociedad have already begun lining up replacements for their academy‑graduate mainstay .
With technical precision, intelligence, and steel in his game, Zubimendi arrives recognised by peers as one of the world’s finest No 6s.
His transfer marks Arsenal’s second major addition this summer after goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and underlines their ambition under Arteta’s renewed project.