Arsenal Football Club has officially announced the signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad on a long-term contract. The 26-years midfielder pens a five-year deal with the North London Club. Arsenal paid £55.3 million, a bit more than his release clause, so that they could complete the payment in favorable installments.

The Spanish midfielder was on the verge of joining  Premier League champions Liverpool last summer. Despite Liverpool activating his release clause, Zubimendi had a late change of heart and decided to remain with his boyhood club.

Arsenal and Zubimendi had an agreement on personal terms since January. Real Madrid attempted to hijack the deal, but it never came to fruition. Arsenal was confident of completing the deal. Martin will represent Arsenal with the number 36 on his back.

Martin Zubimendi is becoming Arsenal’s second summer signing, following the goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga’s arrival from Chelsea earlier this week. More arrivals are expected as Arsenal looks to add a defender, winger, and striker.

Arsenal were desperate to add bodies to the midfield area. They lost Jorginho to Flamengo and now Thomas Partey, whose contract has officially expired. They have also been heavily linked to Christian Nørgaard from Brentford, as Sky Sports reports.

Andrea Berta, the new sporting director said to the official Arsenal website: “We are so happy to bring Martin to Arsenal and have a lot of pride in finalizing this transfer. Martin was a key target for us, and we all know that he is a perfect fit for our squad with the high quality he has”.

 Martin played 36 La Liga games last season. He scored two goals and just one assist. The Spanish midfielder will meet his new teammates tomorrow when the first-team squad reports for the first day of pre-season.

The dream came true.

Zubimendi’s dream comes true. Just a year before, he was almost a Liverpool player. Mikel Arteta has played a major role in Zubimendi’s arrival at the Emirates. Both were born in San Sebastian, Bosque Country. The player and his new Manager also share a similar route to professional football, having played for the youth team Antiguoko.

Martin sees his football development in good hands with his fellow Spaniard. Upon his arrival, he was full of praise for Arsenal’s style of play. Saying  “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.”