Mikel Arteta has revealed the three key qualities Martin Zubimendi will bring to Arsenal following his transfer from Real Sociedad
Arsenal have officially announced the signing of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a deal reportedly worth £51 million, with performance-related add-ons potentially taking the total fee closer to £60 million.
In a statement released via the club’s official website, manager Mikel Arteta welcomed the arrival of his compatriot, praising Zubimendi’s intelligence, consistency, and suitability for Arsenal’s system.
“Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team,” Arteta said. “He will fit in really well and he 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. We all welcome Martin and his family to the club.”
Zubimendi, who will wear the No. 36 shirt, joins Arsenal as part of a strategic midfield overhaul following the departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho, both of whom left the club upon the expiration of their contracts last month. Known for his composure on the ball, positional discipline, and ability to dictate play from deep, Zubimendi has emerged as one of Europe’s most highly regarded holding midfielders.
His arrival reunites him with former Real Sociedad teammate Mikel Merino, who joined Arsenal last summer. Together, they formed a formidable partnership in La Liga, and Arteta is now hoping to replicate that chemistry in North London.
The transfer was finalised after a pre-agreement was reached in March. Arsenal chose to pay slightly above Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause in exchange for more favourable payment terms, a key factor in negotiations. Despite a late attempt from Real Madrid, where new head coach Xabi Alonso previously managed Zubimendi in Sociedad’s B team, Arsenal’s persistence, driven by Arteta’s personal involvement ensured the deal was sealed.
Zubimendi is expected to slot into a midfield trio alongside Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard, giving Arsenal a balanced core built on physicality, creativity, and tactical discipline. His style of play has drawn comparisons to that of Xabi Alonso himself, particularly in his ability to break up opposition attacks and distribute with precision.
The midfielder reportedly turned down an approach from Liverpool in 2024, instead committing to Arsenal’s long-term vision under Arteta, a project he believes is on the verge of achieving something special.
Zubimendi could make his Premier League debut on August 17, when Arsenal open their campaign away to Manchester United at Old Trafford. His arrival signals Arsenal’s growing ambition to end their 22-year wait for a league title, with more signings expected in the coming weeks.
