Arsenal have officially announced the signing of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad on a long-term deal, marking one of their marquee signings of the summer transfer window.
The 26-year-old central midfielder arrives after making 236 appearances for Sociedad’s senior team, having risen through the club’s youth system. Zubimendi played a pivotal role in Sociedad’s recent successes, including their historic 2019/20 Copa del Rey title, secured in April 2021, where he featured alongside current Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino.
In the 2022/23 La Liga campaign, Zubimendi was an ever-present figure, guiding Sociedad to a fourth-place finish—their best in over a decade—earning the club a coveted UEFA Champions League spot.
On the international stage, Zubimendi has featured 19 times for the Spanish national team, including appearances at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where Spain claimed a silver medal. Most recently, he helped La Roja lift the 2023 UEFA Nations League and came off the bench during Spain’s 2-1 Euro 2024 final victory over England.
Speaking after signing, Zubimendi said:
This is a huge moment in my career. 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.”
Arsenal Sporting Director Andrea Berta welcomed the move, describing Zubimendi as a key target:
We are so happy to bring Martin to Arsenal and have a lot of pride in finalising this transfer. He is a perfect fit for our squad with the high quality he brings.”
Manager Mikel Arteta added:
Martin is a player who 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 will wear the No. 36 shirt and will link up with his new teammates at the Sobha Realty Training Centre when pre-season begins. The transfer is subject to the usual regulatory processes.
Arsenal fans can now purchase the new 25/26 home shirt with Zubimendi’s name and number—free printing offer valid until midnight on July 8 via Arsenal Direct.
