This summer, Arsenal has made a huge move in the transfer market by signing Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad! The 26-year-old star has joined the Premier League giants in a deal that is believed to be worth around £55 million.
That’s right – Arsenal has finally landed one of their top targets after months of transfer rumors and speculation. Fans all over the world were waiting to see where Zubimendi would go, and now it’s official: he’s a Gunner!
From Spain to England
Martin Zubimendi has spent his entire career playing in Spain with Real Sociedad, a team that plays in La Liga, the top soccer league in Spain. He’s known for being a smart, reliable player who rarely makes mistakes. Zubimendi plays as a central midfielder, which means he helps defend when the team doesn’t have the ball and also sets up attacks when they do.
He’s a true team player — someone who works hard, passes well, and always seems to be in the right place at the right time.
At Sociedad, Zubimendi made 236 appearances, scored 10 goals, and assisted 9 times. He’s not a flashy player who scores all the time, but he’s the kind of player that helps make the whole team better. Coaches and teammates love having him on the field because he brings balance, calmness, and leadership.
Trophy Winner with Spain and Sociedad
Zubimendi’s biggest moment at club level came in 2020, when he helped Real Sociedad win the Copa del Rey, which is like Spain’s version of the FA Cup. It was a massive deal because Sociedad hadn’t won a trophy in 34 years! That’s longer than most middle school students have been alive!
But that’s not all. Zubimendi has also played for the Spanish national team, which is one of the best national teams in the world. In fact, he was part of the squad that won the Nations League in 2023 and the European Championship (Euro 2024). That means he’s not just good at the club level – he’s proven himself on the international stage, too!
Replacing Departing Stars
Why did Arsenal want Zubimendi so badly?
Well, two of their experienced midfielders – Thomas Partey and Jorginho – left the club this summer after their contracts ended. Both were important players in the midfield, and their departure left a big hole in the team.
Manager Mikel Arteta needed a new midfielder who could help control the game, win the ball back, and keep things organized. Zubimendi fits that role perfectly.
Arteta is building a young, exciting team at Arsenal, and Zubimendi brings both experience and quality. Even though he’s only 26, he’s already played in over 200 professional matches and knows what it takes to win.
Zubimendi Speaks: “A Huge Moment in My Career”
After signing with Arsenal, Zubimendi shared his excitement with fans:
“This is a huge moment in my career. It’s the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. 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.”
That’s a strong message from a player who truly believes in what Arsenal is building. And he’s not wrong — Arsenal finished second in the Premier League last season, just behind champions Liverpool. They scored tons of goals and played exciting, attacking soccer all year long.
Soccer Fact Time! What Does a Midfielder Do?
Let’s pause for a second and learn a bit more about the position Zubimendi plays. He’s called a defensive midfielder, which means:
He plays near the center of the field.
He helps defend when the other team has the ball.
He helps pass the ball forward to the attackers.
He keeps the team organized and balanced.
In many ways, the midfielder is like the brain of the team. Without a smart midfielder, a soccer team can feel out of rhythm. That’s why Zubimendi is such an important signing!
What’s Next for Arsenal?
Arsenal fans won’t have to wait too long to see Zubimendi in action. The club’s pre-season (a time when teams play friendly matches to get ready for the season) starts on July 23rd, when they face Italian side AC Milan.
These matches don’t count for points or trophies, but they’re still exciting. Coaches use pre-season to test new players, try new tactics, and build chemistry.
And for Zubimendi, it’ll be his first chance to wear the famous red and white Arsenal shirt!
A Perfect Fit for Arsenal’s Style
One reason Zubimendi chose Arsenal is because of how they play. Under Arteta, Arsenal plays a possession-based game – that means they like to keep the ball, pass it quickly, and control the tempo.
This style is very similar to how teams in Spain play, especially teams like Barcelona, Real Madrid, and, of course, Real Sociedad. Zubimendi grew up playing this kind of soccer, so it should be a smooth transition for him.
🇪🇸 Spain’s Next Big Midfield Star?
Spain has always been known for producing amazing midfielders. Think of legends like:
Xavi
Andrés Iniesta
Sergio Busquets
Cesc Fàbregas
Could Zubimendi be the next name added to that list? Time will tell, but Arsenal fans are excited. He brings calmness, intelligence, and determination — all qualities that great midfielders have.
A New Chapter Begins
With Martin Zubimendi joining Arsenal, the team looks stronger than ever. Fans are dreaming big — maybe even winning the Premier League title for the first time since 2004!
No matter what happens, one thing is for sure: Zubimendi is ready for this next chapter in his career. And Arsenal fans will be watching closely as he steps onto the field for his new club, ready to make his mark in the Premier League.
Welcome to Arsenal, Martin Zubimendi!
Let the new season begin!
