Arsenal Seal Martin Zubimendi Deal In Long-Game Masterstroke
- Think Football Ideas
- Jul 6
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 7
North London Dream: Arsenal Land Spain’s Midfield Maestro Martin Zubimendi
After a long chase that spanned sun-soaked scouting trips and behind-the-scenes manoeuvres, Arsenal have officially unveiled Martin Zubimendi as their marquee midfield signing.
The Spanish international joins from La Liga side Real Sociedad in a deal believed to be worth close to £60 million, a figure that eclipses his £51m release clause, a strategic move by the Gunners to spread the cost.
Zubimendi, 26, becomes the second arrival at the Emirates this summer following the quiet yet intriguing £5m deal for goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea. But make no mistake, this one is a statement. A controller, a conductor, and a competitor, Zubimendi is a player Mikel Arteta has long admired and finally landed.
From San Sebastián To The Emirates: A Journey Years In The Making
This wasn’t your average transfer. Arsenal’s pursuit of Zubimendi was a slow-burning love affair rather than a smash-and-grab. It all began in the searing Andalusian heat last June when Edu and Jason Ayto, then key figures in the club’s recruitment team, flew to Marbella under the radar.
Their initial mission? Mikel Merino. But conversations soon pivoted to Merino’s midfield partner, the poised and press-resistant Zubimendi.
The timing wasn’t right for an immediate deal then, and finances only allowed one marquee midfield addition. But Arsenal laid the groundwork. They left Spain with a handshake agreement, a verbal pact that Zubimendi would wear red and white in 2025.
But then, plans changed. Fast forward a year, and Zubimendi’s stock has skyrocketed. A Euro 2024 winner with Spain, he stepped in for Rodri at half-time in the final against England, helping steady the ship before Mikel Oyarzabal's winner sealed the title. At that moment, he wasn’t just a name on a shortlist, he was the real deal.
Liverpool Lurking, Real Madrid Watching, and Arsenal Moving
It wasn’t just Arsenal who had eyes on the Basque-born maestro. Liverpool made a serious push last summer under new sporting director Richard Hughes. Zubimendi liked the project, but he wasn’t ready to leap mid-Euros, especially without clarity.
Behind the scenes, Arsenal remained composed. They respected the player’s desire to keep things quiet and avoid headlines about snubbing Liverpool.
The Gunners also knew Real Madrid and Xabi Alonso, both linked with Zubimendi’s agency, were circling, especially as Alonso replaced Ancelotti. However, Zubimendi held firm. Despite Real's late whispers and media mischief, he stuck to his word, and Arsenal’s trust in him paid off.
More Than Just A Signing – Zubimendi Fits The Arsenal Fabric
For Arteta, this isn’t just a transfer, it’s a puzzle piece clicking into place. A tactical dream, Zubimendi brings rhythm, intelligence, and a deep understanding of the game.
Think of him as a smoother cog in the system Arsenal have been building. The idea of him playing alongside Declan Rice, with Martin Ødegaard ahead and possibly Merino next to him, is enough to make any Gooner dream.
And there’s a romantic twist too. Zubimendi links up with his old Sociedad mate Ødegaard, now Arsenal’s captain, and will soon be joined by Merino. The Basque connection runs deep in North London now.
Final Touches In A Long Game
Although Andrea Berta has taken over as sporting director, this deal belongs to Edu and Ayto. Their groundwork, patience, and persistence made it happen. Even after Edu’s departure and Ayto’s recent exit, the baton was passed cleanly. By January, Arsenal’s internal team had verified all paperwork and lined up the medical.
Zubimendi’s arrival in London in late June, for media duties and a walkthrough at London Colney, was a quiet but decisive moment. Arsenal have clearly added a heartbeat. It’s a declaration: they are serious, strategic, and building something that might just take them to the next level. Sure, they still need a striker, but the foundations are solid.
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