Transfer news: Arsenal Sign Martin Zubimendi From Real Sociedad
Arsenal signed midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for £51 million. Zubimendi will wear the number 36 shirt.
Arsenal announced on Sunday that they have signed midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, having reportedly activated his £51 million ($70 million) release clause.
Euro 2024 winner Zubimendi, who had been previously targeted by Liverpool and linked with Real Madrid, described the move as a 'huge moment" in his career.
Martin 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."
Sporting Director, Andrea Berta, added: 'We are so happy to bring Martin to Arsenal and have a lot of pride in finalising this transfer. Martin was a key target for us and we all know that he is a perfect fit for our squad with the high quality he has.
'We welcome Martin and his family to the club. We look forward to him settling in with his teammates and are very excited to see him playing in an Arsenal shirt."
Mikel Arteta added: 'Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team. He will fit in really well and he has all the attributes to be a key player for us.
'The standard he has consistently performed at over the last few seasons for both club and country is exactly why we are so excited to have him with us. We all welcome Martin and his family to the club."
Who Is Martin Zubimendi?
Martin Zubimendi, aged 26, joins from Real Sociedad, where he made 236 appearances across all competitions at the first-team level after graduating from the club's academy. In April 2021, he played a pivotal role in helping Sociedad win the delayed 2019/20 Copa del Rey against intercity rivals Athletic Club, alongside current Gunner Mikel Merino.
Martin was a key player in the 2022/23 season, contributing significantly as Real Sociedad achieved their highest league finish in recent history, ending the season in fourth place and qualifying for the Champions League for only the third time, and the first in 10 years.
As a Spanish international, Martin started all five games in the 2020 Olympic Games, where Spain claimed silver in Tokyo. He has since made 19 senior appearances for La Roja, winning the 2023 UEFA Nations League and helping his country defeat England 2-1 to win Euro 2024, coming on as a half-time substitute.
Martin will wear the number 36 shirt and will join his new teammates at the Sobha Realty Training Centre when the team reports for pre-season.
First Published:
July 06, 2025, 17:08 IST
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
News18
4 hours ago
- News18
Arsenal 'In Advanced Talks' To Sign Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres: Report
Last Updated: The 27-year-old Swede has reportedly agreed to a five-year contract with Arsenal as Arteta aims to finalize the deal before pre-season. Arsenal may soon have their prayers answered, with reports indicating the club is in advanced negotiations with Sporting CP to sign highly sought-after striker Viktor Gyokeres. According to The Athletic, while the deal for the 27-year-old Swedish international is not yet finalized, discussions over the transfer fee are progressing steadily toward a resolution. Gyokeres has already agreed to personal terms on a proposed five-year contract, having made a move to Arsenal his top priority for some time. Manager Mikel Arteta is reportedly eager to finalize the signing quickly, hoping to have the striker in place before the Gunners begin pre-season training. Gyokeres has emerged as one of Europe's most coveted forwards following a remarkable 2024–25 season in which he scored 54 goals in 52 appearances, leading Sporting to a domestic double, winning both the Portuguese League and the Cup. Since joining Sporting from Coventry City in 2023, the Swede has netted an astonishing 97 goals in 102 games, playing a central role in back-to-back Primeira Liga title wins in 2023–24 and 2024–25. Despite Gyokeres's influence at Sporting, tensions have begun to mount over his future. The striker's camp has reportedly grown frustrated with Sporting president Frederico Varandas, who rejected any suggestion of a gentleman's agreement to allow the striker to leave for €60 million plus add-ons. Varandas has taken a hard stance, insisting the player will only be sold at a fair market value. 'Threats, blackmail and insults don't work with me," he said, signaling that negotiations will not be dictated by external pressure. There had been rumours that Gyokeres was prepared to go on strike to force a transfer, but with talks now gaining momentum, that may no longer be necessary. While Sporting's squad is scheduled to return to pre-season training tomorrow, Gyokeres has been granted four extra days off—an absence that appears increasingly strategic as his potential move to North London inches closer to completion. About the Author Siddarth Sriram Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 06, 2025, 19:25 IST
Mint
5 hours ago
- Mint
Arsenal sign midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad; in advance talks to sign Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres
Arsenal have signed Martin Zubimendi for nearly £60m from Real Sociedad and are in advanced talks to enter a contract with Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres. The team's 2025 transfer window is proving to be a masterclass in strategic planning and showcases their intent to strengthen the roster. These moves, carefully executed under Mikel Arteta's vision, aim to transform Arsenal from contenders into champions. Arsenal's £60m deal for Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad is a game-changer. The 26-year-old from Spain, a standout at Euro 2024, will bring composure, sharp passing, and tactical experience to Arsenal's midfield. Zubimendi has made 236 appearances for Sociedad and played a key role in Spain's victory over England, is a proven talent. His signing, the second of the summer after Kepa Arrizabalaga's £5m move from Chelsea will fill the void created by Thomas Partey's likely departure. 'This is a huge moment in my career,' Zubimendi said. 'As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club is.' Arteta praised his new signing: 'Martin will bring quality and football intelligence to our team. He has the attributes to be a key player for us.' Arsenal's pursuit of Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres addresses their need for a prolific striker. The 27-year-old Swede, who has scored 97 goals in 102 matches in Portugal, is in advanced talks with the Gunners. Negotiations, led by new sporting director Andrea Berta, are moving quickly on personal terms and a transfer fee is estimated at around £70m. Gyokeres' physicality, finishing, and experience in English football from his time at Brighton and Coventry make him a natural fit for Arsenal's high-energy style. This move of acquiring Gyokeres is critical for Arsenal who are struggling to convert chances, particularly with Gabriel Jesus being injured until mid-2026. Zubimendi is likely to ensure midfield stability, while Gyokeres could unlock Arsenal's attack. The club is also exploring a winger, with names like Nico Williams and Eberechi Eze mentioned, and a backup goalkeeper like Joan Garcia. With potential exits like Oleksandr Zinchenko, Arsenal are reshaping their squad. Arsenal's summer moves signal ambition. Zubimendi's arrival and the likely addition of Gyokeres show a team ready to end their trophy drought. As the 2025/26 season approaches, the Emirates will be geared up for a historic campaign.
India Today
5 hours ago
- India Today
Arsenal sign Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad
Arsenal have officially confirmed the signing of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. The announcement was made on the club's official website and social media channels on Sunday, 6 joins the Gunners after making 236 appearances for Sociedad in all competitions, having progressed through their youth system to the senior team. He was also part of the squad that lifted the 2019–20 Copa del Rey title in April 2021, following a delayed final where they defeated Athletic Club Bilbao. The victory was a proud moment shared with current Arsenal player Mikel the Zubimendi is a GunnerOriginal music by Ezra Collective's Femi Koleoso. Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 6, 2025advertisementIn doing so, Zubimendi becomes one of the few players, including Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard, and Nacho Monreal, to have played for both Real Sociedad and Arsenal. His signature comes at a time where the midfield department took a hit with Thomas Partey being charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual after the move, Zubimendi explained that Arsenal's playing style played a major role in his decision to join the North London club.'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,' said Zubimendi.'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 manager Mikel Arteta also expressed his delight with the signing, praising Zubimendi's footballing intelligence and consistency over the years.'Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team. He will fit in really well and he has all the attributes to be a key player for us,' said Arteta.'The standard he has consistently performed at over the last few seasons for both club and country is exactly why we are so excited to have him with us. We all welcome Martin and his family to the club.'Zubimendi will wear the number 36 shirt and is expected to link up with his new teammates at the Sobha Realty Training Centre ahead of the club's pre-season preparations.- EndsMust Watch
