New Arsenal signing Martin Zubimendi has praised Martin Odegaard and explained why he has “a lot in common” with boss Mikel Arteta after completing a “huge” move to the Premier League giants from Spanish side Real Sociedad.
Spain international Zubimendi has followed former Sociedad central midfield partner Mikel Merino to join the Gunners, making the move for a reported fee of around £60 million after Arsenal agreed to exceed his £51m release clause in order to be allowed to pay in instalments.
“It’s the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make,” the 26-year-old told Arsenal’s website. “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.”
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Martin Zubimendi: Arsenal complete transfer
“Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team,” said Arteta. “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.”
Sporting Director Andrea Berta said Arsenal took “a lot of pride” in finalising the transfer, which is thought to have involved more than a year of planning and negotiations, as well as seeing off reported interest from Real Madrid and Liverpool.
“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,” added Berta.
Zubimendi: Merino, Odegaard ‘great help’ at Arsenal
Zubimendi has played with Merino 169 times for Sociedad and Spain and knows Arsenal captain Odegaard from the midfielder’s spell on loan at La Real from Real Madrid in 2019/20.
“I’m happy to be here with them,” he said. “I’ve played many games alongside Merino over the years. It’s important because it will make the transition much easier for me and I’m sure they’ll be a great help.
“Apart from how hard Martin works on the pitch, I was surprised by how much he works off the pitch at the gym. He is 100% focused on his fitness.”
Mikel Arteta: ‘A lot in common’ with Zubimendi
Like Zubimendi, Arteta was born in San Sebastian, played for amateur youth team Antiguoko in the city and went on to join Sociedad.
“We have a lot in common,” said Zubimendi. “We’ll have something to talk about off the pitch – I’m happy about that.”
The Sociedad youth product is Arsenal’s second summer signing following the arrival of former Spain goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for £5m.
Martin Zubimendi stats
Zubimendi made 236 appearances for Sociedad, winning the 2019/20 Copa del Rey with Merino and helping them reach the Champions League in 2022/23.
He played in all five games as Spain won silver at the 2020 Olympic Games and has 19 caps, including one as a half-time substitute for injured Manchester City lynchpin Rodri as Spain beat England 2-1 to win Euro 2024.
One of his two goals for La Roja was the opener in the Nations League final in June, although Portugal proceeded to take the title on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
When does Arsenal’s 2025/26 Premier League season start and end?
Having been runners-up to Liverpool in 2024/25, Arsenal resume their rivalry with Manchester United on the opening matchweek of the 2025/26 season.
The game at Old Trafford is at 16:30 on Sunday, August 17 and is live on Sky Sports Main Event, Premier League and Ultra in the UK.
The last round of matches will all start at the same time on May 24 2026. No rounds will take place within 60 hours of each other and there will be no fixture on December 24.
