Arsenal sign Martin Zubimendi and pay MORE than release clause after frustrating transfer delay

Arsenal have completed a deal for Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who becomes the club's biggest capture of the summer transfer window so far.

The Gunners have paid Real Sociedad £55million for the sought-after midfielder's services with Zubimendi signing a five-year contract until 2030. Arsenal have shelled out a slightly higher amount than the £51m release clause which was in Zubimendi's contract in order to secure more favourable payment terms.

Speculation over Zubimendi's future has been rife for months even though the Premier League runners-up were said to have made a breakthrough as early as January. He flew to the UK last month to formalise his move and undergo a medical.

It's understood that the formalities of the transfer were completed in June, but Real Sociedad had requested for the deal to be completed in July so it could be included in their accounts for the 25/26 season.

After officially putting pen to paper on a move, Zubimendi told arsenal.com: “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.

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“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.”

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta added: “Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team. 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.”

The club's new sporting director, Andrea Berta, has been juggling a number of deals in the background as Arsenal pursue a new striker and an elite left-winger.

But while the club are considering multiple names for other positions, Zubimendi was always their No 1 choice to strengthen in midfield. Berta added of the deal: “We are so happy to bring Martin to Arsenal and have a lot of pride in finalising this transfer. Martin was a key target for us and we all know that he is a perfect fit for our squad with the high quality he has.

“We welcome Martin and his family to the club. We look forward to him settling in with his teammates and are very excited to see him playing in an Arsenal shirt.”

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