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The Irish Sun
7 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Zubimendi opens up on Arsenal transfer as he's reunited with Merino 12 months on from audacious double transfer plot
MARTIN ZUBIMENDI has already reached new heights at Arsenal without kicking a ball. The Gunners' £51million signing is all smiles overlooking an incredible skyline on the tallest rooftop bar in Singapore. Advertisement 6 Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi has reunited with ex-Real Sociedad team-mate Mikel Merino 6 Arsenal had been wanting to sign both Zubimendi and Merino since last year 6 Zubimendi and Merino also play together for Spain and won Euro 2024 6 Merino will work as a mentor for Zubimendi at Arsenal And it is fitting that he is sat next to his old Real Sociedad and Spain pal Mikel Merino, given the pair were involved in an audaciously orchestrated double-whammy transfer by Arsenal and boss Arteta wanted to bring both to the Emirates last summer, but with Socieded reluctant to lose two midfielders in the same window, a deal was struck to allow Merino to leave in August 2024 and then It was a pre-agreed transfer masterplan complicated by Liverpool's attempts to snatch Zubimendi last summer too. Advertisement Read More on Arsenal But when talks with Arne Slot's Reds collapsed, Arteta pounced and the transfer was finally rubber-stamped in March – even amid a late play from Real Madrid. When told about 'We didn't speak much about it. Even with the national team we didn't touch that subject. We didn't talk about our future, but I'm really happy for him to be here. 'We have a great relationship. Hopefully we can keep building our story together in this great club.' Advertisement Most read in Football San Sebastian-born Zubimendi said: 'It wasn't an easy time because initially I was thinking about staying at Real Sociedad but when important offers came up I would think about new things. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 'The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to stay at Sociedad. It wasn't the right time [to leave last summer]. 'I saw that Sociedad was still a step forward for me and the things I had to give were important. So the best thing for me was to stay. Advertisement Arsenal unveil Martin Zubimendi after he completes £51million transfer from Real Sociedad 'I don't know what [Arteta] saw in me but what I saw in him is that he's a top coach in Europe. 'When I wanted to leave I wanted a quality coach. I've seen how obsessive and detailed he is with his game so I think I've found the right one. 'It's a change for me. It's the change I wanted. And since the first day I've been here I've noticed the greatness of this club and I'm adapting.' Arteta is plotting more elite, mega-money incomings, with Sporting Lisbon striker and long-term target Advertisement But as things stand, Zubimendi is Arsenal's statement arrival this summer and knows the pressure is on to be one of the missing pieces of the jigsaw in the club's bid to go from Prem runners-up to champions for the first time in 21 years. On if he can be the difference maker, Zubimendi said: 'Hopefully. The most important thing this club has is that it learns from previous seasons. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates 'That is going to be key to being even closer to the goals they set. Ultimately, football comes down to details, especially in the Champions League. Advertisement 'Arsenal were the only team in that semi-final who truly stood up to PSG, and they let it slip because of minor details.' At the end of the day, football is all about the details. I followed them in the Champions League and in that semi-final [defeat], Arsenal were the only team that really put their face to the Paris Saint-Germain and they really missed the details.' The Spain international – who played a starring role in his country's Euro 2024 final triumph over England – is a masterful dictator of the ball from deep, but also a dogged and willing defender. It is no surprise that he looks up to Manchester City's Rodri. Advertisement Asked what Arteta expects from him in Arsenal's midfield three, Zubimendi – who could make his debut in a friendly against AC Milan on Wednesday – continued: 'He is a coach who demands a lot of things from the midfielders. 6 Merino to mentor Zubmendi 'I'm going to try and do things I didn't do before from that position: give the ball a balance and give it the right way out.' Advertisement Merino says he will act as a mentor for Zubimendi – who he played with at Sociedad between 2019 and 2024, and still does with the national team – and will even help him look for a house near the club's London Colney base. Merino added: 'We have the same mentality of being close to the training ground so we can spend more time there and not waste too much time in the car driving because traffic in London is crazy. It's about football first and then life. 'I don't have any advice to give him because he's an amazing player. The only thing I would say is to be patient when things are not going your way. 'You need time to adapt. But he is going to be ready. He is really smart. He's here because this club provides you with the right atmosphere to build big things, to fight for the big titles.' Advertisement ***Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino were speaking at adidas' launch of Arsenal's 2025/26 away shirt. To buy, visit: 6
Scottish Sun
7 days ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Zubimendi opens up on Arsenal transfer as he's reunited with Merino 12 months on from audacious double transfer plot
Martin Zubimendi will have a lot of help in his bid to anchor Arsenal's midfield ON THE MEND Zubimendi opens up on Arsenal transfer as he's reunited with Merino 12 months on from audacious double transfer plot MARTIN ZUBIMENDI has already reached new heights at Arsenal without kicking a ball. The Gunners' £51million signing is all smiles overlooking an incredible skyline on the tallest rooftop bar in Singapore. 6 Arsenal star Martin Zubimendi has reunited with ex-Real Sociedad team-mate Mikel Merino 6 Arsenal had been wanting to sign both Zubimendi and Merino since last year 6 Zubimendi and Merino also play together for Spain and won Euro 2024 6 Merino will work as a mentor for Zubimendi at Arsenal ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: All the latest rumours from the Emirates And it is fitting that he is sat next to his old Real Sociedad and Spain pal Mikel Merino, given the pair were involved in an audaciously orchestrated double-whammy transfer by Arsenal and boss Mikel Arteta stretching back 12 months. Arteta wanted to bring both to the Emirates last summer, but with Socieded reluctant to lose two midfielders in the same window, a deal was struck to allow Merino to leave in August 2024 and then Zubimendi to join him the following season. It was a pre-agreed transfer masterplan complicated by Liverpool's attempts to snatch Zubimendi last summer too. But when talks with Arne Slot's Reds collapsed, Arteta pounced and the transfer was finally rubber-stamped in March – even amid a late play from Real Madrid. When told about Arsenal's unique negotiation tactic, Merino admitted: 'I didn't know [Zubimendi] was coming. We were really focused on the present. 'We didn't speak much about it. Even with the national team we didn't touch that subject. We didn't talk about our future, but I'm really happy for him to be here. 'We have a great relationship. Hopefully we can keep building our story together in this great club.' San Sebastian-born Zubimendi said: 'It wasn't an easy time because initially I was thinking about staying at Real Sociedad but when important offers came up I would think about new things. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS 'The first question I had to answer was whether I wanted to stay at Sociedad. It wasn't the right time [to leave last summer]. 'I saw that Sociedad was still a step forward for me and the things I had to give were important. So the best thing for me was to stay. Arsenal unveil Martin Zubimendi after he completes £51million transfer from Real Sociedad 'I don't know what [Arteta] saw in me but what I saw in him is that he's a top coach in Europe. 'When I wanted to leave I wanted a quality coach. I've seen how obsessive and detailed he is with his game so I think I've found the right one. 'It's a change for me. It's the change I wanted. And since the first day I've been here I've noticed the greatness of this club and I'm adapting.' Arteta is plotting more elite, mega-money incomings, with Sporting Lisbon striker and long-term target Viktor Gyokeres on the verge of joining for £63.5m. But as things stand, Zubimendi is Arsenal's statement arrival this summer and knows the pressure is on to be one of the missing pieces of the jigsaw in the club's bid to go from Prem runners-up to champions for the first time in 21 years. On if he can be the difference maker, Zubimendi said: 'Hopefully. The most important thing this club has is that it learns from previous seasons. Join SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plus in-depth coverage and exclusives from The Emirates 'That is going to be key to being even closer to the goals they set. Ultimately, football comes down to details, especially in the Champions League. 'Arsenal were the only team in that semi-final who truly stood up to PSG, and they let it slip because of minor details.' At the end of the day, football is all about the details. I followed them in the Champions League and in that semi-final [defeat], Arsenal were the only team that really put their face to the Paris Saint-Germain and they really missed the details.' The Spain international – who played a starring role in his country's Euro 2024 final triumph over England – is a masterful dictator of the ball from deep, but also a dogged and willing defender. It is no surprise that he looks up to Manchester City's Rodri. Asked what Arteta expects from him in Arsenal's midfield three, Zubimendi – who could make his debut in a friendly against AC Milan on Wednesday – continued: 'He is a coach who demands a lot of things from the midfielders. 6 TRANSFER NEWS LIVE - KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST FROM A BUSY SUMMER WINDOW Merino to mentor Zubmendi 'I'm going to try and do things I didn't do before from that position: give the ball a balance and give it the right way out.' Merino says he will act as a mentor for Zubimendi – who he played with at Sociedad between 2019 and 2024, and still does with the national team – and will even help him look for a house near the club's London Colney base. Merino added: 'We have the same mentality of being close to the training ground so we can spend more time there and not waste too much time in the car driving because traffic in London is crazy. It's about football first and then life. 'I don't have any advice to give him because he's an amazing player. The only thing I would say is to be patient when things are not going your way. 'You need time to adapt. But he is going to be ready. He is really smart. He's here because this club provides you with the right atmosphere to build big things, to fight for the big titles.' ***Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino were speaking at adidas' launch of Arsenal's 2025/26 away shirt. To buy, visit:
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Real Sociedad star cuts short summer vacation to return to pre-season training
A headline member of the attacking ranks at La Liga outfit Real Sociedad has this week returned to base at the club's training ground, almost a week before his summer vacation was due to come to an end. That's according to Mundo Deportivo, who point towards Mikel Oyarzabal as the player in question. Advertisement Frontman Oyarzabal is for his part fresh off a thoroughly productive campaign in San Sebastian in 2024/25. Despite Sociedad's collective struggles, the 28-year-old racked up 26 direct goal contributions in 53 appearances across all competitions. As much culminated in a call up to Spain's latest squad for the Nations League in June, a decision which entitled Oyarzabal to an extended summer holiday through July 14th. As alluded to above, though, reiterating his commitment to the cause at Anoeta, the versatile attacker was back in the thick of things a full six days early on Tuesday morning. As per a report from MD, Oyarzabal was put through an individualised training session at Zubieta, ahead of linking back up with his teammates over the days ahead. Conor Laird – GSFN
Rhyl Journal
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Arsenal sign Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad
The Spain international, 26, moves to the Emirates Stadium on a long-term deal after the Gunners reportedly triggered his £51million release clause. Euro 2024 winner Zubimendi had previously been a target for Liverpool and was also linked with Real Madrid. Zubimendi told the club website: '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.' Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is confident Zubimendi can help reinforce his midfield options, having seen Thomas Partey's contract expire and Jorginho also leave the club. '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,' Arteta said. '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.' A post shared by Arsenal (@arsenal) A graduate of the Sociedad academy system, Zubimendi made 236 appearances for the club in all competitions at senior level and helped the team lift the delayed 2019-20 Copa del Rey with victory over Athletic Bilbao. He was also involved as Sociedad finished fourth in the 2022-23 season – their highest league finish – to reach the Champions League for only the third time in their history. The midfielder has been capped 19 times by Spain, where he was part of the squad who won the Nations League in 2023 and became European champions last year after beating England in the final. Zubimendi becomes Arsenal's second signing this summer after goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga joined from Chelsea. The Gunners are also expected to complete the signing of Christian Norgaard, with the Brentford captain looking set to join for a reported £10m with a potential £5m of add-ons.
Qatar Tribune
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Arsenal sign Spain midfielder Zubimendi
PA Media/dpa London Arsenal have signed midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. The Spain international, 26, moves to the Emirates Stadium on a long-term deal after the Gunners reportedly triggered his £51 million ($70 million) release clause. Euro 2024 winner Zubimendi had previously been a target for Liverpool and was also linked with Real Madrid. Zubimendi told the club website: '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.' Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is confident Zubimendi can help reinforce his midfield options, having seen Thomas Partey's contract expire and Jorginho also leave the club. '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,' Arteta said. '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.' A graduate of the Sociedad academy system, Zubimendi made 236 appearances for the club in all competitions at senior level and helped the team lift the delayed 2019-20 Copa del Rey with victory over Athletic Bilbao. He was also involved as Sociedad finished fourth in the 2022-23 season - their highest league finish - to reach the Champions League for only the third time in their history. The midfielder has been capped 19 times by Spain, where he was part of the squad who won the Nations League in 2023 and became European champions last year after beating England in the final. Zubimendi becomes Arsenal's second signing this summer after goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga joined from Chelsea. The Gunners are also expected to complete the signing of Christian Norgaard, with the Brentford captain looking set to join for a reported £10 million with a potential £5 million of add-ons.
