Spain’s Zubimendi joins Arsenal in €70 million deal, Real’s biggest transfer

San Sebastián, July 6 (EFE).– Real Sociedad and Arsenal have reached an agreement for the transfer of midfielder Martín Zubimendi to the London club for €70 million ($8.25 million), the Basque club and sources familiar with the negotiations confirmed on Saturday.

Zubimendi, who played 236 matches for his boyhood club, will now join Arsenal. The English side did not activate his €60 million release clause but instead agreed to pay a higher fee, €70 million, in exchange for being allowed to pay in installments.

It is the joint-highest transfer fee in Real Sociedad’s history, matching the €70 million Newcastle paid for Alexander Isak.

Both clubs announced the signing simultaneously. Zubimendi will reunite at Arsenal with former teammates Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard.

Having joined Real’s academy at Zubieta at age 15, Zubimendi debuted for the first team in the 2019–2020 season against Getafe.

He quickly became an undisputed starter as the sole defensive midfielder in Imanol Alguacil’s 4-3-3, having previously been coached by Alguacil in the reserves.

Over the last five years, Zubimendi helped lead Real Sociedad to a Copa del Rey title and five straight European qualifications, including one for the Champions League.

For Spain, Zubimendi has been a regular selection under Luis de la Fuente, usually behind Rodri. The Manchester City star’s injury in the Euro 2024 final gave Zubimendi the chance to shine, and he impressed with a confident, near-flawless second half.

Last year, Liverpool pushed hard to sign him, but Zubimendi chose at the last moment to stay with Real, which was already weakened by the departures of key players Mikel Merino and Robin Le Normand.

In a farewell message released by the club, Zubimendi said he had fulfilled his dream of playing for Real Sociedad but felt it was time “to part ways” and take on “the challenge of living an experience away from home.”

He thanked all his coaches at Zubieta, singling out Imanol Alguacil for his trust and for instilling strong values. He also expressed gratitude to president Jokin Aperribay “for making history,” and to sporting directors Roberto Olabe and Erik Bretos.

“They’ve taken Real to another level. I leave with peace of mind because the club is in the hands of people who truly love it.”

Real Sociedad praised Zubimendi’s performances, commitment, and conduct, wished him “the best of luck.” EFE

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