Midfielder Martin Zubimendi – 'It's The Move I Was Looking For.'

From San Sebastián to the heart of north London, Martin Zubimendi has made the leap, and he couldn’t be more certain about it. After sealing his £60 million switch from Real Sociedad, Arsenal’s new midfield general wasted no time in sharing just how ready he is to pull on the red and white.

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“Once I made the decision to leave, I set my sights on Arsenal because I think their style of play is a good fit for me,” Zubimendi told Arsenal.com during his first interview. “This is a huge moment in my career. It’s the move I was looking for; one I wanted to make.”

A Long Goodbye To Real Sociedad

Fifteen years. That’s how long Zubimendi wore the blue and white of his boyhood club, climbing the ranks of La Real’s celebrated academy in San Sebastián. Leaving wasn’t just a transfer, it was a life decision. But when the call came from London, it struck a chord.

“It’s a young, highly motivated and ambitious team,” he said. “They’ve shown their potential recently, and I believe the best is yet to come.”

The presence of Arsenal's sporting director Andrea Berta and manager Mikel Arteta helped seal the deal. “They took excellent care of me, leaving me with no doubts whatsoever,” he added.

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From Antiguoko To Arsenal: The Arteta Link

There’s more than just tactics connecting Arteta and Zubimendi. Both midfielders began their footballing journeys at Antiguoko, the small but storied youth club in Spain’s Basque region. Both went on to play for Real Sociedad. Now, they reunite in north London — this time as manager and player.

“We have a lot in common,” said Zubimendi. “We come from the same city and played for the same teams. We’ll have something to talk about off the pitch — I’m happy about that.”

Reuniting With Familiar Faces

Change can be daunting, but Arsenal have done their homework. They’ve brought in a player who won’t walk into a locker room full of strangers.

Martin Odegaard, Mikel Merino, and David Raya are all familiar faces to Zubimendi. The bonds run deep, and might just be Arsenal’s secret weapon in helping their new man settle in quickly.

“It’s important because it will make the transition much easier for me, and I’m sure they’ll be a great help,” he said, referencing his long-standing partnership with Merino.

And then there’s Odegaard. a player who left a lasting impression on Zubimendi during their brief time together in Spain.

“Apart from how hard Martin works on the pitch, I was surprised by how much he works off the pitch at the gym. He’s 100% focused on his fitness.”

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A Midfield Maestro For Arsenal’s Next Chapter

Euro 2024 winner. La Liga veteran. Quiet leader. Zubimendi arrives with more than just talent. He brings balance, control, and a vision of football that aligns perfectly with Arteta’s.

He’s not flashy. He’s not loud. But he is precise, calm, and relentlessly consistent, exactly what this Arsenal midfield needed. And as for the move itself? He’s crystal clear. “Of course, it’s a big change, but I’m ready to get started.”