Arsenal make long-awaited announcement of new midfield signing

Arsenal have finally announced the signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad following months of speculation.

The midfielder joins the Gunners for a reported fee of €65m (£55m), slightly higher than his €60m (£51m) release clause, with the club set to pay Sociedad in instalments.

Zubimendi was rumoured to have agreed to sign for Mikel Arteta's side back in January, but constant differing reports and interest from Spanish giants led to concerns the deal wouldn't be done. However, Arsenal have now officially confirmed the signing of the midfielder.

Arsenal confirm signing of Martin Zubimendi

Fans had eagerly awaited the signing of Zubimendi for literal months, but they don't have to wait anymore. He has now officially joined Arsenal and will wear the famous red and white next season.

The midfielder signs for the Gunners from boyhood club Real Sociedad, who he signed for as a youth player in 2011, before working his way up the ranks to make his first team breakthrough in 2019.

Zubimendi made 236 appearances for the Spanish side, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists over the course of seven seasons. He has also become a key player within his national side's setup, earning 19 caps and netting twice for La Roja to date.

Multiple reports have suggested Zubimendi has signed a five-year deal with Arsenal, keeping him at the club until 2030. His previous experience will bode well for him and his new teammates as he makes the switch from La Liga to the Premier League.

On signing for the Gunners, 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."

Upon welcoming a fellow Spanish midfielder to his squad, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta said: "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."

Zubimendi is set to take a unique shirt number, donning the 36 shirt for Arsenal, as reported earlier in the transfer window. The number four he previously wore at Real Sociedad is currently occupied by Ben White.

The midfielder is set to join up with his new Gunners teammates once the squad begins their pre-season preparations.

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