Zubimendi says he always wanted Arsenal after completing move from Real Sociedad | OneFootball

Arsenal have confirmed the signing of midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.

The 26-year-old joins on a long-term deal for a fee believed to be around £51m.

“This is a huge moment in my career.” Zubimendi said. “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 had long identified Zubimendi as a target, holding talks with Sociedad about the Spaniard last summer, though they were reluctant to lose both Mikel Merino and Zubimendi in the same window.

The Gunners agreed a deal to sign Zubimendi in March this year though did face late competition from Real Madrid for his signature.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said: “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.”

The Gunners have lost holding midfielders Thomas Partey and Jorginho this summer following the expiry of their contracts, with Zubimendi set to fill that void.

The signing of another holding midfield player in Christian Norgaard is also expected to follow that of Zubimendi.