By
Arsenal fans will finally get their first glimpse of new signing Martin Zubimendi in action on Wednesday, when the Gunners face AC Milan in Singapore.
The 26-year-old midfielder joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad earlier this month in a 60-million-pound deal, arriving as one of the most highly-rated number sixes in European football.
Zubimendi quietly made his first appearance for the club in a behind closed doors friendly against Watford last Saturday, but his outing against Milan will mark his first in front of supporters.
Arsenal began working on a move for Zubimendi 12 months ago and had already completed the signing of his former Real Sociedad teammate Mikel Merino when they stepped up efforts to land the Spanish international.
The groundwork proved decisive, especially after Zubimendi rejected an approach from Liverpool last summer, opting instead to bide his time for a move to the Emirates.
Zubimendi's stock rose even further after his impressive performances for Spain during Euro 2024, where he played a key role in their 2-1 final victory over England.
Manager Mikel Arteta is expected to ease Zubimendi into his midfield plans during pre-season, with hopes high that he will add composure, defensive steel, and elite ball progression to Arsenal's spine.
"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 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."
