Zubimendi reveals Arsenal duo convinced him to make move in first words

Martin Zubimendi has completed his long-anticipated transfer to Arsenal from Real Sociedad and explained the Gunners were on his agenda as soon as he decided to leave the Basque region

Martin Zubimendi has revealed Arsenal were in his sights as soon as he made the decision to leave Real Sociedad this summer, and the 'best is yet to come' from the Gunners. The Spain international spent 15 years with the Basque club before completing his move to north London.

Zubimendi joins in a £55million deal from Real Sociedad, 12 months on from turning down a move to Liverpool. The 26-year-old has signed a five-year deal at the Emirates in what he has defined a major moment in his career.

The deal marks Arsenal's second transfer of the summer having already added Spanish goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for £5m. It is the second player the north London side have added from Real Sociedad in a year after Mikel Merino's arrival last summer.

And Zubimendi is excited to join up with his former team-mate and a young, ambitious team. The midfielder hopes to help the side achieve its potential.

"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 in his first interview with the club.

"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.”

Zubimendi has already played alongside Arsenal star Merino and club captain Martin Odegaard. “I'm happy to be here with them," he said.

"I've played many games alongside Merino over the years. It's important because it will make the transition much easier for me, and I'm sure they'll be a great help."

And with new boss Arteta having grown up in San Sebastian playing for Antiguoko and also played for Sociedad, there are similarities to reflect upon for Zubimendi. He said: “We have a lot in common.

"We come from the same city and played for the same teams. We'll have something to talk about off the pitch, I'm happy about that.”