San Sebasti\u00e1n, July 6 (EFE).\u2013 Real Sociedad and Arsenal have reached an agreement for the transfer of midfielder Mart\u00edn Zubimendi to the London club for \u20ac70 million ($8.25 million), the Basque club and sources familiar with the negotiations confirmed on Saturday.<\/p>
Zubimendi, who played 236 matches for his boyhood club, will now join Arsenal. The English side did not activate his \u20ac60 million release clause but instead agreed to pay a higher fee, \u20ac70 million, in exchange for being allowed to pay in installments.<\/p>
It is the joint-highest transfer fee in Real Sociedad\u2019s history, matching the \u20ac70 million Newcastle paid for Alexander Isak.<\/p>
Both clubs announced the signing simultaneously. Zubimendi will reunite at Arsenal with former teammates Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard.<\/p>
Having joined Real\u2019s academy at Zubieta at age 15, Zubimendi debuted for the first team in the 2019\u20132020 season against Getafe.<\/p>
He quickly became an undisputed starter as the sole defensive midfielder in Imanol Alguacil\u2019s 4-3-3, having previously been coached by Alguacil in the reserves.<\/p>
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.<\/p>
For Spain, Zubimendi has been a regular selection under Luis de la Fuente, usually behind Rodri. The Manchester City star\u2019s injury in the Euro 2024 final gave Zubimendi the chance to shine, and he impressed with a confident, near-flawless second half.<\/p>
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.<\/p>
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 \u201cto part ways\u201d and take on \u201cthe challenge of living an experience away from home.\u201d<\/p>
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 \u201cfor making history,\u201d and to sporting directors Roberto Olabe and Erik Bretos.<\/p>
\u201cThey\u2019ve taken Real to another level. I leave with peace of mind because the club is in the hands of people who truly love it.\u201d<\/p>
Real Sociedad praised Zubimendi\u2019s performances, commitment, and conduct, wished him \u201cthe best of luck.\u201d EFE<\/p>
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