Arsenal signs reveal Odegaard’s “surprise” after completing a £60m transfer
New Arsenal signed Martin Zubimendi to praise Martin Odegaard and explain why he had “a lot in common” with his boss Mikel Arteta after moving from the “huge” of Real Sociedad to the Premier League giant.
Zubimendi, a former social central midfield partner, joined the Gunners, reportedly reportedly cost about £60 million to allow installments after Arsenal agreed to more than £51 million in the issuance terms.
“This is the move I’m looking for, and it’s what I want to do,” the 26-year-old told Arsenal’s website. “Once you step on here, you realize how big this club and this team are.
“I turned my eyes to Arsenal because their style of play is very suitable for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best games have not yet arrived.”
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Martin Zubimendi: Arsenal’s complete transfer
“Martin is a player who will bring a lot of quality and football intelligence to our team,” Arteta said. “He will be perfectly suited, he has all the attributes and is a key player for us.
“He has been doing well in clubs and countries over the past few seasons and that’s why we’re happy to be with him.”
Sporting director Andrea Berta said Arsenal was “very proud” in completing the transfer, which was believed to involve more than a year of planning and negotiations and saw interest from Real Madrid and Liverpool.
“Martin is our key goal and we all know he is very good for his high quality,” Beta added.
Zubimendi: Merino, Odegaard in Arsenal
Zubimendi has played 169 games for Merino at Sociedad and Spain’s Merino and is aware of the spells of midfielders at La Real in 2019/20.
“I’m so happy to be with them,” he said. “I’ve played a lot of games with Merino over the years. It’s important because it makes my transition easier and I’m sure they’ll be helpful.
“Apart from Martin’s efforts on the court, I was surprised by the amount of work he had on the gym. He was 100% focused on his own fitness.”
Mikel Arteta: Zubimendi’s “Many Commons”
Like Zubimendi, Arteta was born in San Sebastian, playing for the city’s amateur youth team Antiguoko and continued to join Sociedad.
“We have a lot in common,” Zubimandi said. “We will have something to talk about the court – I’m happy about it.”
The Sociedad youth product is Arsenal’s second summer signing after Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga arrived for £5 million.
Martin Zubimendi Stats
Zubimendi made 236 appearances for Sociedad, winning the 2019/20 Copa del Rey with Merino and helping them win the Champions League on 2022/23.
When Spain won the silver medal at the 2020 Olympics, with 19 blocks, one of which was City’s injured Manchester City Lynchpin Rodri, Spain won the 2024 European Cup 2-1.
One of his two goals in La Roja was the opening match of the National League final in June, although Portugal continued to punish the champion after a 2-2 draw.
When will Arsenal’s 2025/26 Premier League season begin and end?
Arsenal resumed his competition with Manchester United in the first game of the 2025/26 season after finishing second in Liverpool in 2024/25.
The match of Old Trafford is on Sunday, August 17 at 16:30, live in the Premier League and Ultra in the UK.
The final round will begin on May 24, 2026. There will be no rounds between each other and there will be no fixtures on December 24.
