Arsenal have completed the signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a deal worth almost £60m.
The Spain midfielder is the Gunners’ second signing of the summer transfer window, following the arrival of goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for £5m.
The 26-year-old, who rejected an approach from Liverpool last summer, came through the ranks at Real Sociedad before becoming a regular in their first team.
The deep-lying midfielder – who played 236 times for the Spanish club, scoring 10 goals – has signed a five-year deal.
“This is a huge moment in my career,” said Zubimendi. “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.”
Last season, Zubimendi was part of the side beaten 4-1 at Old Trafford as Sociedad, who finished 11th in La Liga, were knocked out of the Europa League by Manchester United.
He helped his country win Euro 2024, coming on for Manchester City’s Rodri at half-time in the final against England as Mikel Oyarzabal’s goal claimed the trophy for Spain.
He has 19 caps and has become a regular for Spain as a result of Rodri being sidelined last season by a serious knee injury.
Zubimendi scored in the recent Nations League final against Portugal before Spain lost on penalties.
“Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team,” said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta. “He will fit in really well and 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.”
Arsenal have also agreed to a deal with Brentford to sign midfielder Christian Norgaard for an initial £10m.
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