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Zubimendi Joins Arsenal For £60m

Zubimendi Joins Arsenal For £60m

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.

They are also in talks to sign Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres for £70m.

Zubimendi, who rejected an approach from Liverpool last summer, came through the ranks at Real Sociedad before becoming a regular in their first team.

The 26-year-old 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 a deal with Brentford to sign midfielder Christian Norgaard for an initial £10m.

Paying more than the release clause
For Arsenal, the beginning of the end of Zubimendi’s signing began in the scorching heat of Spain’s south coast as long ago as last June.

In truth, though, the journey culminating in the midfielder’s arrival at Emirates Stadium was spawned well in advance of that covert visit to Andalusia last summer.

Arteta had watched Zubimendi extensively. He was taken by his ability to execute the full passing repertoire with precision and timing.

A controller of matches, Zubimendi became an obsession for the Arsenal head coach.

With that in mind, a delegation from the Emirates, including then sporting director Edu and his number two Jason Ayto, flew to Marbella for a meeting with counterparts from Real Sociedad.

To greet them in Spain was Roberto Alabe, the La Liga club’s then sporting director, and president Jokin Aperribay.

For Edu and Ayto, the primary aim of their deployment was to strike a deal for Sociedad midfielder Mikel Merino, who was an immediate target for Arsenal.

But then arrived the curveball.

Arsenal’s recruitment heads explained that, while they wanted to sign Merino before the 2024-25 season, they also had designs on midfield partner Zubimendi.

But here was the catch – they wanted to sign Zubimendi in the summer of 2025. Their finances last summer would not allow them to do both.

There was the added complication of Liverpool’s interest in the 26-year-old.

Recently appointed Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes had entered into negotiations with Sociedad over a move for Zubimendi, to the point where the Anfield club believed they were close to tying up the deal.

However, sources have since indicated that, while the midfielder was attracted by a move to Merseyside last summer, he was apprehensive that the decision was too rushed, particularly in the middle of a European Championship summer.

Working with former Socieded midfielder Arteta – and being reunited with Merino and ex-Sociedad playmaker Martin Odegaard – was a prospect Zubimendi was captivated by.

Arteta and Zubimendi were both also born in the Basque city of San Sebastian.

Equally, Zubimendi and his representatives made it clear they wanted to be respectful to Liverpool.

The scenario of any news leaking out of the Spaniard turning down a move to Anfield in favour of the Emirates was one all parties were keen to avoid.

Nevertheless, Edu and Ayto departed Marbella with an agreement in principle for both Merino and Zubimendi.

In terms of the Zubimendi deal, Arsenal expressed their preference to pay more than the player’s £51m release clause in order to spread the cost of the fee.

Release clauses in Spain require the purchasing club to deposit the agreed fee in full in one payment – a scenario Arsenal wanted to avoid.

It is one of the reasons Arsenal have not acted upon their interest in Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams, who had a 58m euro (£50m) release clause before signing a new deal with the club earlier this week.

But, while the structure of the deal was verbally agreed in Marbella, there remained one major obstacle to overcome for Arsenal.

Fear Real could scupper deal
As early as last June, Arsenal were getting wind of Real Madrid’s interest in then Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso – who admires Zubimendi, having worked with him in Sociedad’s B team – to replace the incumbent Carlo Ancelotti.

It was a situation the Gunners feared could scupper their plan to sign Zubimendi, despite the agreement struck by all parties that the player would join this summer.

The fact Zubimendi and Alonso are clients of the same agency was also a dynamic that provided Arsenal with cause for concern, despite leaving Spain with the player’s word that he would join.

With that in mind, Arsenal knew they needed to complete the formalities of the deal as quickly as possible.

As summer moved into autumn there was still no tangible confirmation that Madrid – with or without Alonso – would make a move for Zubimendi.

Edu’s decision to leave Arsenal in November left the formal aspects of the deal to be executed by Ayto, who would be elevated to the position of acting sporting director after the Brazilian’s exit.

In January, Ayto – alongside director of football operations James King – took charge of completing the final stages of the deal by overseeing the verification of all the relevant paperwork for Zubimendi to join, pending a successful medical.

Alonso’s confirmation as Real head coach set the rumour mill into overdrive. One Spanish newspaper splashed a picture of Zubimendi across their front page accompanied with a story saying Real were moving for the midfielder.

Ultimately, however, any talk of Real hijacking Arsenal’s move has been redundant. The deal was done – it had been for more than six months.

Zubimendi has stayed true to his word – not that it was ever in doubt from those at Arsenal involved in the deal.

The player arrived in London at the end of June to visit the club’s London Colney training ground to meet his colleagues and carry out media duties in preparation for his official unveiling.

He has become the first significant signing of Andrea Berta’s reign as sporting director.

But this is a deal concluded by Edu and Ayto, who has also since departed the Emirates, in the sweltering heat of Spain’s south coast last summer.

Bbc.com

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Mikel Arteta Tight-Lipped On Declan Rice Fitness After Arsenal Midfielder Hobbled Off In Brentford Win

Declan Rice limping off the pitch during Arsenal’s match against Brentford

Arsenal fans held their breath midweek when Declan Rice unexpectedly hobbled off during the Gunners’ 2-0 win over Brentford. And if anyone was expecting a clear update from Mikel Arteta, they certainly didn’t get one.

Ahead of Arsenal’s crucial trip to Villa Park, the Spanish manager remained intentionally cryptic — and for good reason. Arsenal’s injury list is growing, and every hour seems to matter.

Arteta Says: “Let’s See” — Patience Required On Rice

Rice has become the engine, heartbeat, and battery pack of Arsenal’s midfield since arriving from West Ham. His presence is so crucial that even a minor niggle triggers panic across North London.

Although Rice himself told reporters he felt “fine” after the match, Arteta isn’t rushing any verdict.

According to the manager:

“We have another training session in the afternoon. Every hour is going to be very important to see the availability of the players.”

Translation: Nobody knows anything yet — even him.

Arsenal’s Defensive Crisis Deepens

And Rice isn’t the only concern.

Arteta also confirmed that Cristhian Mosquera is facing an uphill battle for the Villa clash. With Saliba and Gabriel already sidelined, losing Mosquera too would leave Arsenal’s defensive unit looking like a Jenga tower leaning on hope and prayers.

Arteta put it bluntly:

“That’s the more complicated one… we need to corroborate with all the testing today.”

Meanwhile, hopes remain higher for William Saliba and Leandro Trossard, with the manager saying their situations are “a matter of days.”

January Window Already Open In Arteta’s Mind

Despite spending over £250 million in the last transfer window, Arteta hinted Arsenal may need to dip back into the market — especially with injuries hitting key departments.

“We always have to be prepared… we need to be open for it.”

In football language, that usually means one thing: Phone lines will be busy in January.

Fixture Congestion? Arteta Shrugs It Off

Playing midweek at Brentford and facing Aston Villa on Saturday lunchtime is hardly ideal, but Arteta kept his cool.

“We are ready for tomorrow’s game, that’s for sure.”

Whether his squad physically is… that’s another story.

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He Gives Us Energy: William Saliba Hails Mastermind Behind Arsenal’s Defensive Dominance

William Saliba and Gabriel Heinze during Arsenal training session

Arsenal’s defensive dominance in the Premier League has a new driving force behind it, according to William Saliba. The French centre-back has hailed Gabriel Heinze, Mikel Arteta’s new first-team coach, as the mastermind behind the Gunners’ impressive backline.

Since joining Arteta’s staff in July, Heinze has brought his trademark intensity and energy to Arsenal’s training ground, helping a side that has conceded just seven goals in 14 Premier League matches — the best defensive record in the division.

Heinze’s Influence On The Gunners

Speaking to the Men in Blazers Media Network, Saliba described Heinze as a constant presence around the defenders:

“Gabriel Heinze helps a lot, especially the defenders. He gives us energy because he’s always talking, always loud — even in training when we do simple things, he’s always loud. Even for nothing, he will be loud! He talks a lot and it’s good to have him close to us. I think this guy can help us a lot.”

Saliba’s comments paint a vivid picture of Heinze as a demanding coach, whose booming voice and relentless standards lift the entire defensive unit.

Arteta added context to Heinze’s appointment, noting their long-standing friendship and mutual trust:

“He’s a winner. He’s won in many clubs he’s been at. We’ve known each other for 23 years, I’m very close to that. It brings something extra.”

He praised Heinze’s tactical insight and complementary personality:

“We complement each other really well, and everybody brings a different insight, a different character, a different personality, to the table that makes us a much better team.”

A Winning Pedigree

Heinze’s coaching approach is rooted in a winning playing career. From PSG to Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Marseille, the former defender was known for hard tackling and relentless duels. Since retiring in 2014, he’s built a coaching résumé across South America and the U.S., including stints at Godoy Cruz, Argentinos Juniors, Velez Sarsfield, Atlanta United, and Newell’s Old Boys.

Testing Defensive Resilience

Heinze’s influence comes at a time when Arsenal’s defense has been hit by injuries. Key centre-backs Saliba and Gabriel have been sidelined, forcing Arteta to deploy makeshift partnerships like Mosquera, Piero Hincapie, and Jurrien Timber. Despite the reshuffling, Arsenal still secured a 2-0 victory over Brentford, proving the defensive organisation and resilience Heinze has instilled.

Arteta commented on the injury situation:

“He (Saliba) had a little niggle, so I think it’s going to be a matter of days. Big Gabi is doing very well as well, but that’s weeks as well.”

With Heinze bringing energy, intensity, and tactical sharpness, Arsenal’s defensive stability continues to impress, even amid injury crises — a testament to the Argentine coach’s impact on the Premier League leaders.

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Arne Slot Confirms Mohamed Salah Is ‘Always In My Mind’ Amid Liverpool Absence

Mohamed Salah sitting on Liverpool bench during Premier League match

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has addressed the speculation surrounding Mohamed Salah, admitting that the Egypt forward is “always in my mind” despite being left out of the last two starting line-ups.

Salah, 33, has had a slow start to the Premier League season, scoring just four goals, and has played only 45 minutes across the last two games. The forward’s omission from the starting XI has sparked talk of a potential Saudi Pro League move, though Salah recently signed a two-year contract extension with Liverpool in April.

Slot Explains Salah Situation

“I think for every player in my mind can start and Mo is an exceptional player for us,” Slot said. “He is always in my mind to either start or to come off the bench.”

Salah played a starring role last season, scoring 29 goals as Liverpool lifted the Premier League in Slot’s first campaign. However, he was an unused substitute in Liverpool’s 2-1 win at West Ham and again came off the bench in the 1-1 draw at home to Sunderland.

Slot acknowledged the chatter around Salah’s absence, saying:

“The chatter, yes because he deserves that, he has been so influential for me and six or seven years. It’s completely normal people talk about it when he isn’t playing.”

Van Dijk Weighs In

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk also commented, highlighting that no player at the club has “unlimited credit”:

“He is still a fantastic player and we still have to remember there is a reason why he has been so successful at the club and we have to respect that. I need him around as one of the leaders. He’s disappointed but that’s absolutely normal. It’s always been the case that no one is undroppable.”

This statement underscores the high standards at Liverpool, even for one of their most prolific stars.

Liverpool’s Current Form

The Reds are currently ninth in the Premier League, 11 points behind leaders Arsenal, having won just two of their nine league games. Salah’s presence will be crucial as Liverpool look to regain momentum, with their next game set against Leeds United.

While fans debate Salah’s place in the squad, both Slot and Van Dijk emphasize that he remains central to Liverpool’s ambitions, both on the pitch and in the dressing room.

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