Spain's Martin Zubimendi celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Portugal during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025.
Spain's Martin Zubimendi celebrates scoring his side's opening goal during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025.
Spain's Martin Zubimendi celebrates after scoring the opening goal against Portugal during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025.
Michael Probst - AP
Spain's Martin Zubimendi celebrates scoring his side's opening goal during the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, Sunday, June 8, 2025.
LONDON (AP) — Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad on Sunday, finally making the move to the Premier League after last year.
The transfer fee wasn't disclosed but the BBC reported Arsenal has paid almost 60 million pounds ($82 million) for the 26-year-old Zubimendi.
The holding midfielder made 236 appearances in all competitions for Sociedad after coming through the club’s academy. He played there alongside Mikel Merino, who joined Arsenal last year.
Zubimendi has played 19 games for Spain, including coming on as a half-time substitute in the 2-1 win over England in the 2024 European Championship final.
“I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me," Zubimendi said. "They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come.”
Arsenal has finished second in the Premier League in each of the past three seasons.
“Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team," said Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, a fellow Spaniard. “He will fit in really well and he has all the attributes to be a key player for us.”
Zubimendi slots into the squad in place of Thomas Partey, whose contract expired this summer. On Friday, with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, British police said.
AP soccer:
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