8 hours ago
3
Senior football correspondent
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.
Last season he 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.
Zubimendi 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.
Arsenal have also agreed a deal with Brentford to sign midfielder Christian Norgaard for an initial £10m.
