Arsenal paid $68 million to activate Zubimendi's release clause with Sociedad, paying the fee in installments.

The Spanish midfielder signed a 5-year contract and will wear the number 36 shirt at his new club. This number has belonged to Emiliano Martinez, Ismael Bennacer, Johan Djourou, and Jermaine Pennant over the past two decades.

Martin Zubimendi signs a 5-year contract with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Photo: Arsenal FC

Martin Zubimendi signs a 5-year contract with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. Photo: Arsenal FC

"When I decided to leave, I aimed for Arsenal because I thought I fit the team's style of play," Arrizabalaga said during his unveiling. "This is a young team, full of motivation and ambition. They show potential, and the best is yet to come. This is a big moment in my career and a move I wanted to make."

According to ESPN, Real Madrid tried to sign Zubimendi when Xabi Alonso replaced Carlo Ancelotti in 5/2025. Man City showed interest in the 26-year-old midfielder after Rodri suffered a serious knee injury in 9/2024. Liverpool also agreed to pay $68 million to break Zubimendi's contract in the summer of 2024, but he declined because he didn't want to leave Spain.

Martin Zubimendi poses with his number 36 shirt in the Emirates Stadium changing room. Photo: Arsenal FC

Martin Zubimendi poses with his number 36 shirt in the Emirates Stadium changing room. Photo: Arsenal FC

Arsenal reportedly reached an agreement with Zubimendi in 3/2025. Manager Mikel Arteta played a crucial role in the negotiations to persuade his fellow Spaniard to join the Emirates this summer.

Zubimendi’s path to success shares similarities with Arteta’s. Both played for the same youth team, Antiguoko, before playing for Real Sociedad.

"We have a lot in common. We come from the same city and played for the same team. We’ll have a lot to talk about off the pitch, and I’m happy about that," the new Arsenal signing said.

Zubimendi progressed through Sociedad's academy and was promoted to the first team in 2019. Since then, he has played 236 matches in all competitions, scoring 10 goals. The 26-year-old midfielder was a member of the Spanish national team that won Euro 2024, playing in place of Rodri in the final against England.

Zubimendi is a modern defensive midfielder known for his composed playing style, tempo control, and attack initiation, reminiscent of former Barcelona and Spain star Sergio Busquets.

Kepa Arrizabalaga signing his contract with Arsenal. Photo: Arsenal FC

Kepa Arrizabalaga signing his contract with Arsenal. Photo: Arsenal FC

Previously, the Gunners announced their first signing, Kepa, for a fee of $6.7 million from Chelsea.

According to The Athletic, the coaching staff has been impressed with Kepa for a long time. In addition to his skills and experience, Arsenal believes Kepa has the attitude and professionalism to be the second-choice goalkeeper. The 30-year-old goalkeeper previously served as a backup for Edouard Mendy at Chelsea and Andriy Lunin at Real Madrid.

The affordable price meant Kepa had many options this summer. The 30-year-old goalkeeper also knew he would be an understudy to Raya but was ready to compete for a place in north London.

Compiled by Hong Duy