Real Madrid failed to intercept the bell! Arsenal signed Spanish iron waist with a premium of 55 million, and five-year long appointment locked the core

Arsenal completed the biggest signing this summer, signing midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for £55 million, with the transfer fee being £4 million higher than the £51 million liquidated damages clause in his contract in exchange for a more favorable payment terms. The Spanish international has signed a five-year contract to 2030, becoming the Gunners' largest signing so far.

Transfer tug-of-war: From the January breakthrough to the official announcement in July, the rumors about Zubimendi have lasted for months. Although Arsenal had made a negotiation breakthrough as early as January, Real Sociedad asked the deal to be completed in July to be included in the 2025/26 season financial report. Last month, the player flew to the UK to complete the physical examination and sign the contract. It is understood that the transaction procedures were completed in June. Zubimendi said in an interview on the official website: "This is an important moment in his career. Arsenal's tactical style is perfectly in line with me. The potential the team has shown in recent years makes me believe that the peak has not yet arrived. "

Arteta praised the new player: the core midfielder of Gunners Mikel Arteta, who has both strength and football maker, commented: "Martin will bring the team's top strength and football wisdom, and he has all the qualities of becoming a core player. His stable performance in the club and the national team in the past few seasons is exactly why we are eager to sign him." The new sports director Andrea Berta revealed: "Zubimedi is the only first choice for midfield signings. His technical characteristics are highly compatible with the team system. I am very happy to bring this top player to Arsenal. "

Transfer strategy analysis: Deep considerations of payment of ultra-liquidated damages

Arsenal chose to complete the transaction at a premium, mainly for two considerations:

Financial planning: installment payment structure can alleviate short-term FFP pressure;

Competition suppression: avoid the intervention of Real Madrid and other giants at the last moment - It is reported that the White Army tried to intercept the nobility in June, but the Gunners locked the transaction by raising the quotation.

At present, Arsenal is still pushing forward and left winger signings, and Zubimendi's joining will immediately strengthen the midfield hardness, with his average of 2.3 steals + 1.8 interceptions per game, just filling the defensive vacancy after Thomas left the team.