Zubimendi Will Bring Quality, Football Intelligence To Our Team –Arteta

Mikel Arteta has said new signing Martin Zubimendi will bring huge quality and football intelligence to the Arsenal team.

Arsenal, on Sunday, announced Zubimendi signing from Real Sociedad in a deal worth almost £60m.

Zubimendi is the Gunners’ second signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrival of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for £5m.

“Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team,” Arteta said. “He will fit in really well and he has all the attributes to be a key player for us.

“The standard he has consistently performed at over the last few seasons for both club and country is exactly why we are so excited to have him with us. We all welcome Martin and his family to the club.”

Speaking after completing his move to the North London club, Zubimendi said:“This is a huge moment in my career. It’s the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are.

“I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come.”

Also Read: Liverpool Should Have Done Better To Convince Zubimendi –Carragher

Zubimendi made 236 appearances in all competitions at first-team level after graduating from Sociedad’s academy.

In April 2021, he helped Sociedad win the delayed 2019/20 Copa del Rey against intercity rivals Athletic Club, alongside current Gunner Mikel Merino.

He was then ever-present in 2022/23 as Real Sociedad secured their highest league finish in recent history, ending the season in fourth place to secure Champions League football for only the third time, and the first in 10 years.

A Spanish international, Martin started all five games in the 2020 Olympic Games as they claimed silver in Tokyo.

He has gone on to make 19 senior appearances for the Spanish senior national team, and won the 2023 UEFA Nations League as well as helping his country defeat England 2-1 to win Euro 2024, coming on as a half-time substitute.