In a reported £55 million ($75 million) deal, Arsenal confirmed on Sunday that they had signed Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
Winner of Euro 2024 Zubimendi was connected to Real Madrid and had previously been a target for Liverpool.
The defensive midfielder, who is believed to have signed a five-year contract, stated, “This is a huge moment in my career.”
It’s the move I wanted to make and the one I was searching for.
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.”
The Athletic reported that Arsenal paid above Zubimendi’s 60 million euro ($71 million, £51 million) buyout clause in order to spread the cost of the fee over a number of installments.
Zubimendi, 26, made 236 appearances in all competitions for Sociedad after graduating from the club’s academy and has played 19 times for Spain.
He will reinforce manager Mikel Arteta’s midfield options after the departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho.
Zubimendi’s arrival paves the way for Arsenal’s record signing Declan Rice to play a more attacking midfield role alongside captain Martin Odegaard.
