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Arsenal complete paper works to sign Martin Zubimendi

By on June 21, 2025

Martin Zubimendi

Arsenal have officially completed the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

The 26-year-old becomes the Gunners’ first new player of the 2025 summer transfer window.

He arrived in London on Friday to finalise the move.

Arsenal have agreed to pay a fee of around £54.7 million in structured instalments.

This is slightly above his £51 million release clause.

The North London club chose a flexible payment structure to help manage Financial Fair Play regulations. This approach also allows room for further signings.

Zubimendi has been a long-term target for Mikel Arteta. The manager views him as an ideal midfield partner for England star Declan Rice.

Arteta beats Madrid to sign key midfield target

The Spanish international recently helped his country win Euro 2024. His calmness on the ball and strong reading of the game are key traits.

He is a defensive midfielder who protects the backline by winning second balls and cutting out attacks through strong positioning and awareness.

While he is not very fast or physically dominant, Zubimendi stands out for his vision and ability to stay composed under pressure.

Arsenal have been in contact with the midfielder since January. A verbal agreement was reached in May, but final steps were delayed out of respect for Real Sociedad.

Arteta personally contacted Zubimendi earlier in the year to explain his vision for the team’s future. That conversation played a major role in the deal.

Real Madrid made a late push for the midfielder. Reports in Spain claimed new manager Xabi Alonso tried to hijack the move at the final moment.

However, both Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein maintained that Arsenal were always in control of the deal.

Zubimendi’s arrival gives Arteta another solid option in the middle of the pitch. His presence is expected to improve ball control and defensive balance.

The deal also signals Arsenal’s intent to strengthen early and build a squad capable of challenging for the Premier League title again next season.