Arsenal aren’t holding back this summer.
With ambitions to finally lift the Premier League title after three years of falling just short, the club has kicked off their transfer window with a statement signing—Martin Zubimendi.
The Spanish international midfielder has joined the Gunners from Real Sociedad for a whopping £60 million.
That’s even more than the £51 million release clause written into his contract—but there’s a clever reason behind that strategy.
Arsenal Pay Premium to Get Their Man
Zubimendi, 26, has signed a five-year contract at the Emirates after Arsenal beat out serious competition from Liverpool and Manchester City for his signature.
Mikel Arteta has had his eye on the midfielder for a long time, and the club clearly viewed him as a priority.
By agreeing to pay more than the official release clause, Arsenal were able to break the fee into instalments instead of paying the full amount upfront—something that would have made it difficult to pursue other top targets in the same window.
Eyes on More Talent as Zubimendi Arrives
Almost immediately after announcing Zubimendi, Arsenal confirmed they’re deep into talks with Sporting Lisbon over striker Viktor Gyökeres.
That deal is expected to cost around £70 million—another major investment from the north London side as they gear up for what could be a defining season for Arteta.
And it doesn’t stop there. Arsenal are also preparing a move for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.
Personal terms with the England international are reportedly already in place, although Chelsea are demanding over £50 million and have even expressed interest in Arsenal wonderkid Ethan Nwaneri in the process.
A Midfield Makeover in Full Swing
Zubimendi arrives at a time of major changes in Arsenal’s midfield, following the departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho.
He’ll wear the number 36 shirt and is expected to bring balance, composure, and leadership in the middle of the pitch.
Having made 180 appearances for Real Sociedad and earned 18 caps for Spain, Zubimendi is no stranger to high-level football.
His deep-lying playmaking and tactical intelligence are expected to mesh well with Arteta’s system.
Zubimendi Speaks on His New Chapter
In his first words as a Gunner, Zubimendi shared his excitement with the club’s website:
“This is a huge moment in my career.
It’s the move I was looking for and one I really wanted.
Once you step into this place, you immediately feel how big the club is.
Arsenal’s playing style suits me, and I believe their best is still to come.”
Club Leadership Celebrates the Signing
Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta also expressed his pride in securing the deal:
“Martin was one of our main targets and we’re so proud to welcome him.
He’s a perfect fit for our squad and the quality he brings is exactly what we need.”
Mikel Arteta echoed the sentiment, calling Zubimendi a player with “football intelligence” and “consistency at the highest level,” and described him as someone who will “fit in really well” with the team.
Reuniting with a Familiar Face
Zubimendi won’t be entirely alone in adapting to life in London—he’ll be linking up again with Mikel Merino, his former teammate at Sociedad, who made the same move last summer.
Arsenal’s interest in both players highlights Arteta’s clear appreciation for the midfield talent developed in the Basque Country.
Patience Pays Off After January Delay
Although Arsenal’s interest in Zubimendi was first reported back in January, Real Sociedad refused to part with such a key player mid-season.
That, combined with Arteta’s simultaneous push for Merino, delayed the transfer until now.
But with the deal finally done, Arsenal supporters will be hopeful that Zubimendi’s arrival is the missing piece in their quest to end a 22-year wait for a Premier League title.