Arsenal fans will get to see their new midfielder Martin Zubimendi in action for the first time on Wednesday – 12 months after the Gunners first set in motion a deal to bring him to the club.
The 26-year-old, one of the most highly-rated number sixes in Europe, played his first minutes for Arsenal in a behind closed door friendly against Watford last Saturday.
But his first appearance in front of supporters since making a £60m move from Real Sociedad earlier this month is expected to come against AC Milan in Singapore.
Zubimendi is a name that many football fans will be familiar with, having played a key role in Spain beating England in the Euro 2024 final. Last summer he also turned down a move to Liverpool.
What was not known at that time, however, is that Arsenal were already making moves to secure Zubimendi this summer after completing a deal for Mikel Merino.
“I think it was a really well-orchestrated plan by the club, and everybody that was involved in it, to understand how we could get what we wanted in two different years, and both at the same time,” said manager Mikel Arteta.
“And both players were very keen to come, which is very necessary. I think we had a club in Real Sociedad that understood the situation, and they’ve been excellent.
“We did what we wanted and the players did what we wanted. I think Real Sociedad at the end were happy with the outcome, so I think it’s a very positive outcome for all parties.”
Arteta was asked if Zubimendi was going to play more as a six or a number eight and, without hesitation, the Arsenal manager made clear why he has brought Zubimendi to the club.
“Six. Really excited,” he said. “And again as I said before when you have him every single day, just around the building, just in training sessions, how he captures the information, how he processes things on the pitch, it’s very impressive.
“I’m very, very happy to have him.”