Arsenal have officially completed the signing of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from La Liga side Real Sociedad.
The deal is reported to be valued at around £55 million ($75 million).
Zubimendi, who recently lifted the Euro 2024 trophy with Spain, had been on the radar of several European clubs, including Liverpool and Real Madrid, before deciding to join the Premier League outfit.
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“This is a huge moment in my career,” said the 26-year-old midfielder, who has agreed to a five-year contract with the Gunners.
“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.”
According to The Athletic, Arsenal opted to pay above his €60 million (£51m/$71m) release clause to allow for a structured payment plan across several instalments.
A product of Real Sociedad’s youth system, Zubimendi made 236 appearances for the club in all competitions and has earned 19 caps with the Spanish national team.
His addition comes at a crucial time for manager Mikel Arteta, who is looking to bolster his midfield options following the exits of Thomas Partey and Jorginho.
Zubimendi’s arrival is expected to enable Declan Rice to assume a more advanced role in midfield, partnering captain Martin Ødegaard.
“Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team,” said Arteta.“He will fit in really well and he has all the attributes to be a key player for us.”
This transfer marks Arsenal’s second major signing of the summer, following the arrival of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea.
Additionally, the club is nearing a deal for Brentford’s Christian Norgaard to further strengthen the squad.
Arsenal finished as runners-up in the Premier League for a third consecutive season and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, but their trophy drought has now stretched to five years.
With aspirations to finally break their long-standing league title drought dating back to the 2003/04 season, the Gunners are expected to shift their focus to attacking reinforcements.
Injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus last season left Arsenal without a natural striker for long periods.
Reports suggest Arsenal are close to finalising a deal for Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres, while Chelsea’s Noni Madueke has also been linked with a move to the Emirates.
