Zubimendi chooses surprise Arsenal number despite Spain choice is available

Martin Zubimendi's move to Arsenal has finally been confirmed as the Spain international signs a five-year deal with the Gunners as he departs Real Sociedad for pastures new

Martin Zubimendi will wear the no.36 shirt for Arsenal after completing his move the club. The Spaniard arrives from Real Sociedad in a £55million deal and signed a five-year contract with the Gunners.

The 26-year-old arrives in north London as Arsenal's second signing of the summer, following compatriot Kepa Arrizabalaga to the Emirates. And the transfer marks the club's first major move in the summer market as Mikel Arteta attempts to assemble a squad that can eventually move beyond Premier League runners-up.

As a significant signing, Zubimendi likely had some freedom in establishing his new shirt number. Zubimendi bore four on the back of his shirt for Real Sociedad last term - a figure currently occupied by Arsenal defender Ben White.

The midfielder's international shirt number was available, but Zubimendi opted against 18 on this occasion. That latter became available just days ago after Takehiro Tomiyasu departed the Emirates after the parties mutually agreed to end his contract prematurely.

But Zubimendi's choice of 36 will see young goalkeeper Tommy Setford, 19, require a new shirt next term. Last summer's signing from Ajax made his debut in the Carabao Cup against Preston during 2024/25 and was a regular on Arsenal's bench during their Champions League campaign.

It is the number Zubimendi wore when breaking through at Real Sociedad however. And the Spaniard wants to take the shirt for his debut season with the Gunners.

Ismael Bennacer wore the number in 2015/16 while Emi Martinez held it for a season in 2012/13. Jonathan Djourou and Jermaine Pennant are among the first team selections to don the shirt.

"Once I made the decision to leave, I set my sights on Arsenal because I think their style of play is a good fit for me," said Zubimendi upon his arrival at Arsenal.

"It’s a young, highly motivated and ambitious team. They have shown their potential recently, and I believe the best is yet to come. As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are. Andrea [Berta] and Mikel [Arteta] took excellent care of me, leaving me with no doubts whatsoever.

"This is a huge moment in my career. It's the move I was looking for; one I wanted to make. Of course, it's a big change, but I'm ready to get started.”