Arsenal have completed a major coup by signing Spanish midfield kingpin Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for nearly £60 million – a deal that exceeded his £51 million release clause.
The Gunners’ willingness to pay above the clause reflects both financial strategy and footballing ambition.
The 26-year-old became Arsenal’s second signing of the summer window, following Kepa Arrizabalaga’s £5 million move from Chelsea. The North London club have also agreed a £52 million deal for the signature of England winger Noni Madueke from Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres is still a strong target, with a fee in the region of £70 million in play for his signature.
Despite interest from Liverpool, Zubimendi chose Arsenal – attracted by the vision of manager Mikel Arteta, a fellow San Sebastián native. The midfielder was reportedly keen to work with someone who not only shares his roots but also mirrors his tactical ideology.
Zubimendi’s journey from Real Sociedad academy graduate to Spanish international is one built on patience, intelligence, and technical mastery. With over 230 appearances and 10 goals for Sociedad, he was the heartbeat of their midfield.
On the international stage, he recently helped Spain clinch Euro 2024 glory and scored in the Nations League final against Portugal – stepping in seamlessly during Rodri’s absence.
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Arteta, who has admired Zubimendi for years, values his composure, passing range, and ability to control tempo. For Arsenal, he represents more than just depth – he is a cornerstone of a reimagined midfield.
Zubimendi chose Arsenal’s vision over Premier League rivals
Interestingly, Arsenal’s pursuit of Zubimendi began as far back as last summer. Then-sporting director Edu and deputy Jason Ayto held quiet talks in Marbella.
Their original target was Mikel Merino, but Zubimendi’s name quickly rose to the top of the list. Budget constraints delayed the move to 2025, but groundwork was laid early.
While Liverpool pushed hard, Zubimendi refused to make a rushed decision during the Euros. Arsenal, sensing an opportunity, kept talks low-profile to avoid public drama and build trust with the player’s camp. The strategy paid off.
Rather than triggering the release clause – which in Spain demands a lump-sum payment – Arsenal proposed a multi-installment structure. This allowed them to spread the cost and maintain financial balance, even though it meant paying above the clause. The same reason led them to drop interest in Nico Williams, whose £50 million clause required immediate payment.
Zubimendi’s preference for Arsenal was strengthened by the chance to reunite with Merino and play alongside Martin Ødegaard again. He also saw Arteta as the perfect mentor to elevate his career. Yet Arsenal remained wary of Real Madrid’s interest, especially with Xabi Alonso – a former Sociedad B coach and admirer – tipped to take over at the Bernabéu. Both Alonso and Zubimendi are represented by the same agency.
Despite the looming threat from Madrid, Zubimendi’s verbal commitment to Arsenal never faltered. By January, Edu had exited the club, leaving Ayto and James King to finalise terms. A medical was arranged and paperwork completed as the summer window approached.
Zubimendi was given a tour of Arsenal’s training base at London Colney in June and took part in promotional content ahead of the official unveiling. His arrival marks the first major signing under new sporting director Andrea Berta, though much of the credit belongs to Edu and Ayto.
Arteta gets his midfield general at last
Arteta was thrilled by the acquisition, calling Zubimendi a perfect stylistic fit. The midfielder’s tactical discipline, sharp distribution, and calm leadership tick every box for the Arsenal boss.
For Zubimendi, joining Arsenal is the defining moment of his career. He believes the club’s rise is only beginning, and he’s eager to be part of a project built on possession, energy, and purpose – values that suit his game.
With Kepa already signed and Christian Nørgaard reportedly next, Arsenal’s midfield rebuild is gaining pace. Yet it is Zubimendi who is expected to anchor it all – the player around whom everything flows.
Ultimately, this transfer underlines Arsenal’s intent to not just compete but dominate in England and Europe again.
Tags: Martin Zubimendi, Arsenal, Real Sociedad, Edu, James King, Nico Williams, Xabi Alonso, Andrea Berta, Jason Ayto, #AFC, #COYG, Marbella, London Colney.
