Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports

Arsenal Sign Martin Zubimendi on a Long Term Deal From Real Sociedad

Spanish Midfielder Joins on a Five-Year Contract As Arteta Strengthens His Squad.

Credit: Kareem Elgazzar-USA TODAY Sports

Arsenal have completed the signing of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. The La Liga midfielder has joined the Gunners on a five-year contract, in a deal reported to be worth around £60 million. With that, the 26-year-old became Arsenal’s second major addition of the summer.

The Gunners’ first major signing of this transfer window was Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea. Zubimendi had been on Arsenal’s radar for over a year. Reportedly, Arteta was ‘obsessed’ by the midfielder’s ability to control games and execute precise passes under pressure.

Controlling the tempo.

Martin Zubimendi is a Gunner ✊

Original music by Ezra Collective's Femi Koleoso. pic.twitter.com/sYbDanRUnT
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 6, 2025

Talks began last summer, when Arsenal also secured Mikel Merino from Sociedad. Apparently, a pre-agreement was in the works for Zubimendi to make the move this year. The Gunners opted to pay slightly more than Zubimendi’s £51m release clause to spread the fee in instalments.

It was a move that helped smooth negotiations with the La Liga club. Sporting director Andrea Berta praised the deal, saying: “Martin was a key target for us and we all know that he is a perfect fit for our squad with the high quality he has.”

Also Read: Arsenal Win Race for Viktor Gyokeres as Striker Snubs a Manchester United Move

Zubimendi made 236 appearances for Sociedad across all competitions. He scoed 10 goals and provided nine assists in that time. He was also part of Spain’s Euro 2024-winning squad and has 19 international caps to his name. Last season, he scored in the Nations League final against Portugal as well.

Martin Zubimendi Excited for Arsenal Challenge

Speaking after completing his move, 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. They have shown their potential recently, and the best is yet to come.”

Also Read: Arsenal’s Pursuit of Noni Madueke: A Game-Changing Transfer Move in 2025

Arteta echoed the excitement, adding: “Martin will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team. He has all the attributes to be a key player for us.” Zubimendi, who turned down Liverpool last summer, will wear the No.36 shirt at Arsenal.

The Spanish midfielder will join his new teammates for pre-season training ahead of their pre-season games next month. The signing strengthens Arsenal’s midfield following the departures of Jorginho and Thomas Partey. It also helps Arteta build a squad to fight the injury issues they had to suffer last season.

Arsenal

La Liga

Martin Zubimendi

Mikel Arteta

Premier League

Real Sociedad

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.