Overview

• Arsenal signed the 26-year-old midfielder in the summer for about £55 million on a five-year contract, reportedly paying above his £51 million release clause to secure favorable payment terms with Real Sociedad.
• Liverpool had activated his release clause in 2024, but Zubimendi withdrew late and chose to remain at his boyhood club.
• He told the Guardian he delayed leaving because it was not the right moment and that the extra season at Real Sociedad was challenging but instructive.
• Zubimendi described Arteta as obsessive about detail and control and said the manager's plan was the best fit for him.
• His start at Arsenal has earned early praise, including the Premier League's Goal of the Month award on October 10 for a volley against Nottingham Forest.