Rejecting rivals: Duo committed to Arsenal's title fight next season

Martin Zubimendi has finally broken his silence on his summer move to Arsenal — weeks after completing his £51 million transfer from Real Sociedad earlier this month.

The Spanish midfielder gave an interview while helping unveil Arsenal’s away kit in Singapore, where he was joined by close friend and former Sociedad teammate Mikel Merino.

“It’s the change I wanted,” Zubimendi said. “Since the first day I’ve been here, I’ve noticed the greatness of this club.”

Zubimendi’s arrival was sealed in June, bringing him back alongside Merino just a year after the latter made the same journey from San Sebastián to north London. The pair were mainstays in Sociedad’s midfield and are now expected to form the core of Arsenal’s engine room.

“This club provides the atmosphere to build big things and fight for titles,” Merino said. “We have the right attitude and a hungry group — it’s amazing.”

Mikel Arteta hailed the reunion as part of a long-term strategy. “It was a well-orchestrated plan,” the manager said. “Both players were very keen to come, which is very necessary.”

Zubimendi famously turned down a move to Liverpool last year, opting to spend another season in La Liga. “It wasn’t the right time,” he explained. “I still had a lot to learn at La Real.”

This summer, there was no hesitation. Arsenal made their long-standing interest concrete, and the 25-year-old was eager to join what he called “a team that learns from every season.”

Arteta sees Zubimendi as a natural number six and a tactical asset. “He’s very intelligent. He captures and processes information on the pitch so quickly,” the manager said.

Zubimendi acknowledged the high demands of the role. “He expects a lot from his midfielders. I’ll try to do things I didn’t do before,” he said.

Merino has already stepped in to ease the transition. “He’s smart. He’ll adapt perfectly,” Merino said. “But I told him — be patient. Life off the pitch is very different.”

Zubimendi also hinted that Arsenal may not be done in the transfer market. “We already have a strong group,” he said. “But I think more can still come in — and that would help push us to the next level.”

Arsenal fans will hope the Zubimendi-Merino reunion is just the beginning of a new chapter — one that brings silverware, not just style.

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