Arsenal has officially bolstered their midfield ranks with the signing of Spanish defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi, a move that signals the club's intent to strengthen their squad depth ahead of the upcoming season. The announcement came on July 6, 2025 (Korean time), when Arsenal confirmed through their official channels that Zubimendi had joined the team on a long-term contract and would wear the number 36 jersey.
Zubimendi, born in 1999, is a product of Real Sociedad's youth academy, having joined the club at the tender age of 12 in 2011. Since making his professional debut in the 2018-19 season, he has developed into one of La Liga's most reliable defensive midfielders. Over the years, he has amassed 236 official appearances for Real Sociedad, contributing 10 goals, and has been a mainstay in the squad with consistent performances. This past season alone, he featured in 44 matches, scoring twice and assisting once, demonstrating his steady presence in the middle of the park.
Known for his exceptional work rate, tactical intelligence, and defensive solidity, Zubimendi's style of play is characterized by his high activity levels and excellent positioning. Although not the fastest player on the pitch, his ability to read the game allows him to maintain one of the highest ball recovery success rates in the league. Remarkably, since turning professional, he has maintained a clean disciplinary record, having never received a red card, underscoring his disciplined approach to the game.
His talents have not gone unnoticed on the international stage either. Since 2024, Zubimendi has been a regular call-up for the Spanish national team, accumulating 19 caps and scoring twice. He also boasts the experience of winning a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, adding valuable international pedigree to his resume. His contributions were instrumental in Spain's UEFA Nations League triumph last year, further highlighting his caliber.
Arsenal's acquisition of Zubimendi comes amid a critical phase for the club, as contracts for key midfielders Thomas Partey and Jorginho are set to expire at the end of this season. The Gunners have been actively seeking to reinforce their midfield, and Zubimendi was a top target for manager Mikel Arteta, who favors a three-midfielder formation. His arrival is expected to complement the existing core of Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, and Mikel Merino, providing Arsenal with a formidable midfield lineup.
The transfer reportedly involved a fee of £60 million (approximately 111.6 billion Korean Won), making Zubimendi Arsenal's second signing this summer following the acquisition of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for £5 million. Despite interest from other European giants such as Real Madrid and Liverpool, Arsenal's proactive approach secured the deal, reflecting their ambition to compete at the highest level.
Upon signing, Zubimendi expressed his enthusiasm about the move, stating, "This is a really important moment in my career. This is the move I really wanted. The moment I stepped foot here, I realized how big this club and team are. The reason Arsenal caught my attention is that their playing style suits me well. They have shown recent potential, and there will be better performances in the future." His words convey a clear alignment with Arsenal's philosophy and an eagerness to contribute to the club's success.
Manager Mikel Arteta also welcomed Zubimendi with open arms, emphasizing the midfielder's qualities. "Zubimendi is a player who will add tremendous quality and football intelligence to the team. He will quickly adapt to the team and has all the qualities to grow into a key player," Arteta remarked. He further added, "His consistent performance at club and national team level over the past few seasons is why we signed him. We sincerely welcome Martin and his family to the Arsenal family." Such endorsements underscore the high expectations placed on the new signing.
Zubimendi is set to join the squad for pre-season training, where he will begin integrating with his new teammates and adapting to the demands of the Premier League. His arrival not only addresses Arsenal's midfield depth concerns but also signals a strategic move to build a competitive team capable of challenging on multiple fronts.
Arsenal supporters can look forward to seeing how Zubimendi's blend of defensive discipline, game reading, and passing ability will enhance the team's dynamics. Given his track record and the confidence expressed by the club and manager, the Spanish midfielder could quickly become a pivotal figure in Arsenal's quest for silverware.
As the new season approaches, the addition of Martin Zubimendi is a clear statement of intent from Arsenal, aiming to solidify their midfield and maintain their upward trajectory in English and European football.
