Arsenal have officially completed the signing of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a £51 million deal. The Spain international has signed a five-year contract at the Emirates Stadium, becoming the club’s second summer signing ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
The 26-year-old was Arsenal’s top midfield target since last summer, and the club triggered his £51m release clause earlier this year. Despite heavy interest from Real Madrid and Liverpool, Arsenal’s early pre-agreement played a key role in securing the deal. Martin Zubimendi arrives with high expectations after playing a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph and Real Sociedad’s impressive recent campaigns.
Martin Zubimendi :Key Details
- Full Name: Martin Zubimendi Ibáñez
- Age: 26
- Nationality: Spanish
- Position: Defensive Midfielder (No 6)
- Previous Club: Real Sociedad
- Transfer Fee: £51 million
- Contract Duration: 5 Years (2025–2030)
- Shirt Number: 36
- Career Appearances: 236 (All Competitions)
- Major Honours: Euro 2024, Copa del Rey
Arsenal Win Race for Martin Zubimendi Despite Rival Interest
Arsenal’s pursuit of Martin Zubimendi began well before the 2025 window opened. The Gunners had initially tried to sign both Zubimendi and Mikel Merino last summer, but Real Sociedad refused to sell both midfielders in a single window. Instead, Merino joined Arsenal in 2024 for £31.6 million, while Zubimendi’s move was delayed to 2025 under a pre-agreement.
That decision proved to be crucial as clubs like Real Madrid intensified their interest following the appointment of Xabi Alonso. Liverpool were also in the mix, having attempted to sign Zubimendi during the previous summer. However, the midfielder turned down the move to Anfield, preferring to stay in San Sebastián and focus on Spain’s Euro 2024 campaign — a tournament he went on to win.
According to reports, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta personally played a significant role in convincing Martin Zubimendi to commit to the club, asking him to wait one more year for the right moment. Arteta, a fellow Basque, reportedly used their shared cultural connection and footballing vision to secure the deal. Zubimendi’s former Sociedad teammate Mikel Merino also helped persuade him by sharing his own positive experience at Arsenal.
What Zubimendi Brings to Arsenal’s Midfield
With the departures of Jorginho and Thomas Partey this summer, Arsenal’s midfield was due for a refresh. Martin Zubimendi is expected to slot directly into the No 6 role, offering deep-lying playmaking, defensive cover, and positional discipline — all crucial attributes in Arteta’s tactical setup.
Zubimendi has been described as a complete holding midfielder, with a strong sense of positioning, an excellent passing range, and a calmness on the ball that sets him apart. At Real Sociedad, he made 236 appearances in all competitions and helped the club achieve Copa del Rey success and Champions League qualification.
In his first official interview as an Arsenal player, Martin Zubimendi said:
“This is a huge moment in my career. It’s the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. Arsenal’s style of play is a good fit for me, and the club is clearly moving in the right direction. The best is yet to come.”
Sporting director Andrea Berta also expressed excitement at the signing:
“Martin was a key target for us. We’re proud to bring him to Arsenal. He is a perfect fit for our style and brings quality, intelligence, and experience.”
Mikel Arteta added:
“Martin is a player with excellent football intelligence and composure. His performances for club and country have been outstanding, and he will fit in really well with our squad.”
Arsenal’s Midfield Reinvention Continues
The signing of Martin Zubimendi marks another step in Arsenal’s ongoing midfield rebuild. After years of relying on stop-gap solutions, the club is now building a younger, technically gifted core capable of challenging for top honours. Zubimendi joins a squad that narrowly missed out on the Premier League title last season and will be expected to compete on multiple fronts in 2025/26.
With the Champions League returning and domestic trophies in sight, Arteta needs depth, intelligence, and quality in midfield — all of which Zubimendi provides. He may not be the flashiest name in world football, but his consistency, football IQ, and tactical discipline make him one of the smartest signings Arsenal could have made this window.If he performs as expected, Arsenal may have finally found the perfect anchorman to drive them forward.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Q1: What position does Martin Zubimendi play?
Martin Zubimendi primarily plays as a defensive midfielder, often occupying the No 6 role in midfield.
Q2: How much did Arsenal pay for Martin Zubimendi?
Arsenal signed Martin Zubimendi for a reported fee of £51 million, activating his release clause.
Q3: What are Martin Zubimendi’s major career achievements?
Martin Zubimendi has won the UEFA European Championship with Spain in 2024 and the Copa del Rey with Real Sociedad.
Q5: How long is Martin Zubimendi’s contract with Arsenal?
Martin Zubimendi signed a five-year contract with Arsenal, valid from 2025 until 2030.
