Arsenal Complete £55.8m Zubimendi Transfer to Strengthen Midfield Options | OneFootball

Arsenal Land Martin Zubimendi in Major Midfield Move

Midfield Reinforced with Zubimendi Transfer

Arsenal have completed the signing of Spanish international Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for a reported fee of €65 million (£55.8m), concluding one of their long-standing pursuits with decisive intent. The 26-year-old arrives on a five-year deal that runs until 2030, with the transfer fee structured in instalments rather than a single payment. It represents a strategic acquisition as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen Arsenal’s core heading into the new Premier League season.

The move surpasses Zubimendi’s €60 million release clause, allowing Arsenal to secure favourable payment terms. From a financial perspective, the club is believed to be incurring around £11.5 million in amortised transfer fee costs per season, rising to £12.8 million across the next five campaigns. It is a significant outlay, but for a player described by Xabi Alonso as “the axis” of play, Arsenal believe the investment is justified.

Photo: IMAGO

From Zubieta to Emirates

Zubimendi’s footballing journey reflects determination and discipline. Before joining Real Sociedad’s famed academy, Zubieta, at age 12, he played at Antiguoko, the same grassroots club that once nurtured both Arteta and Alonso. After working through Sociedad’s C and B teams, he made his senior debut in April 2019 and went on to make 236 appearances. A highlight came with Copa del Rey victory in 2020 over Athletic Club, a crowning achievement in the Basque club’s recent history.

He is also a European champion at international level, having featured for Spain in four matches during their victorious campaign last summer, including the final against England, where he replaced Rodri in the second half.

Tactical Fit and Technical Strength

Zubimendi is not a midfielder who steals headlines, but he controls them. Calm under pressure, he positions himself intelligently, often being the player who makes the pass before the pass. Arsenal are gaining a metronome, someone who offers rhythm in possession and a release valve when opponents close space.

“You can be watching Zubimendi, but he is not watching you, he is locating space to receive the ball or intercept it,” notes The Athletic. That natural ability to read and dictate play is central to what Arteta wants from his midfield. With Declan Rice bringing vertical power and Martin Ødegaard operating further forward, Zubimendi will be tasked with linking build-up, resisting the press and giving Arsenal’s full-backs and wide forwards licence to operate higher.

Photo IMAGO

His pass selection is short and sharp when needed, yet he has the confidence to spread the play into wide channels. Zubimendi’s arrival could be the key to unlocking low-block systems, which proved a challenge at times last season. His presence should allow Rice and Ødegaard more advanced starting positions, giving Arsenal greater depth and variety in possession.

Durability and Financial Strategy

In terms of fitness, Zubimendi brings encouraging numbers. Over the last four seasons, he has played at least 75 per cent of La Liga minutes for Real Sociedad. Last season, no outfield player logged more minutes for the club. Aside from minor muscular issues, he arrives in north London with a clean injury record and is expected to cope with the Premier League’s physical demands after an initial adjustment period.

Financially, the deal benefits both clubs. For Arsenal, structuring the fee in instalments helps smooth the impact across several accounting periods. For Sociedad, who are facing a campaign without European football, the €65 million sale, from a player with almost zero book value, represents a pure profit line in their 2025-26 figures.