Five who played for both: Arsenal and Real Sociedad | OneFootball

Martin Zubimendi has joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad this summer.

The Spain international’s highly-anticipated €65m transfer was officially announced on Sunday, with Zubimendi becoming the latest name with North London and San Sebastián connections.

Here are five players who have played for both Arsenal and Real Sociedad.

Five who played for both: Arsenal and Real Sociedad

Mikel Arteta

The current Arsenal boss was born in San Sebastián but began his career in the ranks at Barcelona. After spells with Paris Saint-Germain and Rangers, Arteta signed for his hometown club ahead of the 2004/05 season. However, he struggled to establish himself and after just six months and three starts was loaned to Everton.

The Spaniard shone on Merseyside, where he was twice named Everton’s Player of the Season before a £10m move to Arsenal in 2011. Across five seasons, he made 150 appearances for the Gunners and captained the club to FA Cup wins in 2014 and 2015.

Carlos Vela

Arsenal won the race to sign Carlos Vela from Guadalajara in 2005, though it was not until 2008/09 that the forward for his break. Vela marked his full debut with a hat-trick in a League Cup win over Sheffield United but it was the highlight of an Arsenal career that yielded just 64 senior appearances.

The Mexican moved to Real Sociedad in 2012 and immediately impressed in La Liga. He scored 35 goals across his first two seasons in San Sebastián.

Vela scored 73 times in 250 games for La Real across a six-year spell. He later moved to Los Angeles FC and broke the MLS record after scoring 34 goals in 2019.

Nacho Monreal

Nacho Monreal’s performances in La Liga caught the eye of Arsenal in 2013, with a deal agreed to sign the left-back from Malaga. A fine servant, Monreal made 251 appearances for Arsenal and won three FA Cup trophies before departing in 2019.

He concluded his career with a three-season spell at Real Sociedad. The 22-cap Spain international lifted the Copa del Rey with La Real in his debut season.

Martin Odegaard

After failing to find a route to first-team football at Real Madrid, Martin Odegaard found his feet during a loan spell with Sociedad. During an impressive campaign, Odegaard scored again his parent club to eliminate Real Madrid from the Copa del Rey, as Sociedad went on to claim the title.

Arsenal came calling in January 2021, signing Odegaard on loan before a £30m permanent move. The Norwegian has been a key part of Arsenal’s evolution under Mikel Arteta, as the Gunners have returned to a status as Champions League regulars. He was named Arsenal captain in 2022.

Mikel Merino

Martin Zubimendi will link up with a familiar face in the Arsenal midfield, reuniting with former Sociedad partner and Spain teammate Mikel Merino in North London.

Merino signed for Arsenal last summer, after six seasons with Sociedad. During that time, he won the Copa del Rey and was named in the La Liga Team of the Season for 2022/23.

A midfielder by trade, Arsenal’s injury crisis last season saw Merino redeployed to good effect. The auxiliary centre-forward ended the campaign with nine goals in all competitions.

Read – Gyokeres reaches ‘full agreement’ with Arsenal over transfer

See more – Zubimendi calls Arsenal transfer a ‘huge moment’ in career

Follow The Football Faithful on Social Media:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok