Last updated on July 10, 2025
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Martin Zubimendi’s move to Arsenal isn’t just about adding another name to the squad. It’s about vision, strategy, and trust — from both sides.
Image credit: Livescore
After months of anticipation — and over a year of behind-the-scenes planning — Martin Zubimendi has officially signed for Arsenal in a deal worth £60 million.
The Spain international joins from Real Sociedad, becoming the Gunners’ second big-name arrival this summer following the low-key but strategic capture of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea.
Zubimendi’s transfer isn’t just another flashy headline — it’s a reflection of manager Mikel Arteta’s long-term vision and meticulous approach to building a midfield that can dominate Europe.
The Player Arteta Couldn’t Stop Watching
When it comes to deep-lying midfielders, Arteta has been extremely selective.
Sources close to the club say Zubimendi became an “obsession” for the Arsenal boss — not for highlight reels, but for how he orchestrates games, manages transitions, and controls tempo under pressure.
It’s not a surprise. Zubimendi, 26, has been quietly building a reputation as one of Europe’s smartest passers, with over 230 appearances for Sociedad and a growing presence in the Spain national team.
This is a huge moment in my career,” Zubimendi said in his first official interview with Arsenal. “It’s the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are.
“I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come.
The Transfer That Took a Year to Craft
This move wasn’t made in a week — or even a month. It began in June 2024, when Edu (then Arsenal’s sporting director) and deputy Jason Ayto flew to Marbella.
The official story? They were there to scout Mikel Merino.
But behind closed doors, they pitched something bigger to Sociedad’s execs: a delayed deal for Zubimendi, set to go through in 2025 due to budget constraints.
The Gunners didn’t want to trigger Zubimendi’s £51m release clause, which under La Liga rules requires full payment upfront.
Instead, Arsenal proposed paying a higher fee of £60m, but with structured payments — a move that Sociedad accepted.
That financial strategy shows how Arsenal blend footballing ambition with smart business, avoiding the kind of cashflow strain that disrupts squad-building plans.
Liverpool’s Close Call & Real Madrid Rumours
It could’ve gone another way.
Reports reaching us is that Liverpool were so close to signing Zubimendi in 2024, and by all accounts, he was intrigued.
But making a rushed decision during Euro 2024 — where he helped Spain lift the trophy — didn’t sit well with him.
Then came whispers of Real Madrid interest, especially once Xabi Alonso was tipped to take over from Carlo Ancelotti.
The connection was real: Alonso coached Zubimendi at Sociedad B, and they share the same agent.
Arsenal pressed ahead. They secured a verbal agreement from the player and worked quietly to ensure there’d be no drama if Real Madrid came knocking.
In the end, Zubimendi stayed true to his word — a sign of the trust built between him and Arteta’s team.
Euro Winner, Nations League Finalist, and Still Climbing
While Sociedad had a modest season domestically, Zubimendi’s international career soared.
He replaced Rodri in the Euro 2024 final and played a pivotal role as Spain edged out England.
Just weeks later, he scored in the Nations League final against Portugal, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable big-game performer.
With 19 international caps and counting, he’s not just joining Arsenal with La Liga experience — he brings the mindset and pressure tolerance of a player who’s already thrived at the highest level.
What Makes Zubimendi Different?
This isn’t a midfielder who’ll top goal charts or dazzle with rabonas.
But if you’re watching with a coach’s eye, you’ll notice what Arteta fell for:
- 📊 Pass accuracy under pressure
- 🧭 Ability to dictate tempo in and out of possession
- 🧱 Defensive awareness in transitional phases
- 🧠 Intelligence in spatial positioning
He’s a controller — the kind of player who doesn’t get flashy headlines but wins you the midfield battle week in, week out.
The Bigger Picture: Arsenal’s Midfield Revolution
Zubimendi is expected to link up with club captain Martin Odegaard, his former Sociedad teammate, and Mikel Merino.
Arsenal have also agreed terms with Christian Norgaard from Brentford for £10m, signaling a full-scale midfield rebuild.
Together, this trio offers a blend of leadership, balance, and tactical depth that Arteta will be able to rotate depending on opponent and competition.
Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team,” said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
“He will fit in really well and has all the attributes to be a key player for us.
“The standard he has consistently performed at over the last few seasons for both club and country is exactly why we are so excited to have him with us.”
Final Word
Martin Zubimendi’s move to Arsenal isn’t just about adding another name to the squad. It’s about vision, strategy, and trust — from both sides.
In a world of quickfire transfers and last-minute hijacks, this one stands out as a rare example of planning meeting patience.
And for Arsenal fans, it may just be the beginning of something very special in midfield.
