Arsenal have accomplished the signing of extremely rated Spain midfielder Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, the membership have introduced.
The north London membership beat opposition from prime European outfits after triggering Zubimendi’s €60 million ($67m) launch clause.
The 26-year-old’s contract at Sociedad was because of expire in June 2027.
A supply instructed ESPN that Real Madrid tried to signal Zubimendi when Xabi Alonso changed Carlo Ancelotti in Might, however a cope with Arsenal had already been struck in March.
Zubimendi had the prospect to maneuver to the Premier League a yr in the past having been Liverpool‘s best choice in defensive midfield. Nonetheless, he turned down the switch, opting as a substitute to stay at Sociedad for the 2024-25 season, a decision he later said was “the right one.”
A Sociedad youth product, Zubimendi spent 5 years with the primary group, making over 170 appearances throughout all competitions.
The San Sebastián-born participant had reportedly attracted curiosity from Real Madrid this summer season after sturdy performances in LaLiga, and with Spain at Euro 2024.
Within the ultimate towards England, he got here on rather than injured Rodri at half-time and shone within the deep-lying midfield function as Spain went on to win 2-1.
Manchester City additionally tracked Zubimendi after Rodri sustained a serious knee injury in September.
It’s believed Mikel Arteta performed a key function in talks with Zubimendi to persuade the participant to hitch Arsenal this summer season.
Zubimendi will be a part of his former Sociedad teammate Mikel Merino, who signed for the club last summer.
Data from ESPN’s James Olley contributed to this report.