Martin Zubimendi has officially joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad under a 5-year contract, with a fee of about 65 million Euros (55.8 million pounds). Arsenal have agreed to pay more than Zubimendi's €60 million release fee in exchange for being able to pay in installments, rather than paying it all at once.
Real Sociedad want Arsenal to close the book early in early July to help the team balance revenue and expenditure for the new fiscal year. The Gunners' early investment in this deal also shows the goodwill of the London team towards their partner from Basque, Spain.
In fact, Arsenal have been approaching Martin Zubimendi since March 2025. Other "Gunners" targets this summer were also contacted very early to raise the flag. This shows that the methodical, scientific approach and choice of negotiation landing points are very good from the new sporting director Andrea Berta.
If talking about interest, Arsenal have even kept an eye on Martin Zubimendi since the 2019-2020 season. At that time, Martin Odegaard and Alexander Isak were still starting for Real Sociedad while Martin Zubimendi was still just a reserve player. This deal shows Arsenal's consistency in their scouting view, once they have targeted someone, they will have a plan to approach for many years.
When Zubimendi decided to accept Liverpool's invitation, the 26-year-old midfielder was well aware of Arsenal's interest. The Gunners also told everyone that with Jorginho and Thomas Partey entering the final year of their contracts, Zubimendi is their top target for the lowest-level midfield role, a world-class "number 6" that can immediately improve the quality of the squad.
In the Martin Zubimendi deal, Arsenal really wants to avoid trouble like the case of Liverpool. The Kop have arbitrarily activated a release clause to immediately bring Zubimendi back. However, although theoretically it could be done, Liverpool have failed due to fierce opposition from Real Sociedad.
With a deep affection between Zubimendi and their childhood club, Arsenal understand that a deal can only be reached with the consent of Real Sociedad. Zubimendi and Real Sociedad only part ways when they have each other's consent. Therefore, Arsenal have advised each side to approach both sides without using money to handle just one side like Liverpool.
Arsenal's direct negotiations with Real Sociedad on Zubimendi have been in place since the summer of 2024, were accelerated in early 2025, and have now come true.
Leaving the familiar Basque country will be a huge challenge for Zubimendi. This midfielder can speak English but is not fluent. However, he is considered a smart person in learning new languages. Zubimendi's adaptation will be easier because he played with Odegaard and Merino at Real Sociedad. Meanwhile, the two goalkeepers Kepa and David Raya are also familiar with Zubiemdi, having spent time together for the Spanish national team.
Arsenal appreciated Zubimendi's ability to control the match and shape the tempo in midfield. All of the Gunners' midfield and forward lines will start from the deepest position in midfield.
The "number 6" will be Zubimendi's main role, but this midfielder can also bring flexibility. Sometimes, Zubimendi and Rice can be paired in a double axis in midfield. Those who understand Zubimendi best in terms of playing style also believe that this midfielder has the ability to attack very well, just need to be exploited at the right time.
