New Arsenal signing Martin Zubimendi has praised Martin Odegaard and defined why he has “quite a bit in widespread” with boss Mikel Arteta after finishing a “enormous” transfer to the Premier League giants from Spanish aspect Actual Sociedad.
Spain worldwide Zubimendi has adopted former Sociedad central midfield associate Mikel Merino to hitch the Gunners, making the transfer for a reported price of round £60 million after Arsenal agreed to exceed his £51m launch clause with a view to be allowed to pay in instalments.
“It’s the transfer I used to be searching for and one I needed to make,” the 26-year-old informed Arsenal’s website. “As quickly as you set foot right here, you realise how huge this membership and this staff are.
“I set my sights on Arsenal as a result of their type of play is an effective match for me. They’ve proven their potential not too long ago and the very best is but to come back.”
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Martin Zubimendi: Arsenal full switch
“Martin is a participant who will carry an enormous quantity of high quality and soccer intelligence to our staff,” mentioned Arteta. “He’ll slot in rather well and he has all of the attributes to be a key participant for us.
“The usual he has persistently carried out at over the previous couple of seasons for each membership and nation is precisely why we’re so excited to have him with us.”
Sporting Director Andrea Berta mentioned Arsenal took “quite a lot of pleasure” in finalising the switch, which is believed to have concerned greater than a 12 months of planning and negotiations, in addition to seeing off reported curiosity from Actual Madrid and Liverpool.
“Martin was a key goal for us and everyone knows that he’s an ideal match for our squad with the prime quality he has,” added Berta.
Zubimendi: Merino, Odegaard ‘nice assist’ at Arsenal
Zubimendi has performed with Merino 169 instances for Sociedad and Spain and is aware of Arsenal captain Odegaard from the midfielder’s spell on mortgage at La Actual from Actual Madrid in 2019/20.
“I’m pleased to be right here with them,” he mentioned. “I’ve performed many video games alongside Merino over time. It’s essential as a result of it’s going to make the transition a lot simpler for me and I’m positive they’ll be an important assist.
“Other than how onerous Martin works on the pitch, I used to be shocked by how a lot he works off the pitch on the health club. He’s 100% centered on his health.”
Mikel Arteta: ‘Quite a bit in widespread’ with Zubimendi
Like Zubimendi, Arteta was born in San Sebastian, performed for newbie youth staff Antiguoko within the metropolis and went on to hitch Sociedad.
“We’ve quite a bit in widespread,” mentioned Zubimendi. “We’ll have one thing to speak about off the pitch – I’m pleased about that.”
The Sociedad youth product is Arsenal’s second summer time signing following the arrival of former Spain goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for £5m.
Martin Zubimendi stats
Zubimendi made 236 appearances for Sociedad, successful the 2019/20 Copa del Rey with Merino and serving to them attain the Champions League in 2022/23.
He performed in all 5 video games as Spain received silver on the 2020 Olympic Video games and has 19 caps, together with one as a half-time substitute for injured Manchester Metropolis lynchpin Rodri as Spain beat England 2-1 to win Euro 2024.
One among his two targets for La Roja was the opener within the Nations League final in June, though Portugal proceeded to take the title on penalties after a 2-2 draw.
When does Arsenal’s 2025/26 Premier League season begin and finish?
Having been runners-up to Liverpool in 2024/25, Arsenal resume their rivalry with Manchester United on the opening matchweek of the 2025/26 season.
The sport at Outdated Trafford is at 16:30 on Sunday, August 17 and is reside on Sky Sports activities Primary Occasion, Premier League and Extremely within the UK.
The final spherical of matches will all begin on the similar time on Might 24 2026. No rounds will happen inside 60 hours of one another and there shall be no fixture on December 24.
