Arsenal have officially announced the signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, with the midfielder stating that the Gunners’ style of play was a key factor in his decision to join the club.

The long-anticipated transfer was officially confirmed on Sunday, with the 26-year-old having been linked with a move to Arsenal for several months.

Real Madrid had also shown strong interest in signing the Spanish international, but their efforts to convince him to remain in Spain were unsuccessful.

Real’s new manager, Xabi Alonso, is known to admire Zubimendi, having coached him during his time in charge of Real Sociedad’s B team between 2019 and 2022.

Zubimendi, who declined a move to Liverpool last summer, revealed that it was Arsenal’s style of play under Mikel Arteta that convinced him to join the club.

This is a huge moment in my career,’ he said. ‘It’s the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are.

‘I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come.’

Zubimendi’s contract at Real Sociedad included a £51 million release clause, but Arsenal are said to have paid a bit more to help ward off competition from Real Madrid.

It was a notable achievement for the Gunners to lure the Spanish midfielder to north London, especially considering he had previously referred to Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso as his idol.

‘I’ve always said that he was my idol and that for me it was a stroke of luck that he was able to coach me in the reserve team in a very important year,’ he said earlier this year.

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s boss speaking after the confirmation of Zubimendi’s move said: ‘Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team. He will fit in really well and he has all the attributes to be a key player for us.

‘The standard he has consistently performed at over the last few seasons for both club and country is exactly why we are so excited to have him with us. We all welcome Martin and his family to the club.’

Arsenal’s squad is undergoing major changes this summer, particularly in midfield, with Jorginho and Thomas Partey departing and Martin Zubimendi set to be joined by Christian Norgaard as a new addition.