Declan Rice reacts as Arsenal announce Martin Zubimendi signing
Arsenal star Declan Rice has reacted to the news that the Gunners have signed Spain international Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.
After finishing second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons, boss Mikel Arteta is hoping that his summer signings can help his side beat the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City to next season’s top-flight title.
With such lofty ambitions in mind, Arsenal are closing in on striker Viktor Gyokeres, who scored 54 goals in 52 appearances for Sporting last term.
Meanwhile, Zubimendi’s midfield performances helped Sociedad finish 11th in La Liga last season, as the 26-year-old notched two goals and an assist.
Rice reacts as Arsenal sign Zubimendi
Zubimendi is set to become a star performer for Arsenal and scored in Spain’s Nations League final clash with Portugal last month.
The Gunners announced via Instagram on Sunday, 6 June: “Welcome to The Arsenal, Martin Zubimendi.”
England star Rice liked the post and will look to effectively link up with the Euro 2024 winner at the Emirates Stadium next season.
Zubimendi is set to play a key role for Arteta
Football Insider verdict
Until Arsenal finalise their move for a proven goalscorer such as Gyokeres, the Gunners will be missing a key asset ahead of next season’s Premier League title race.
| Martin Zubimendi stats | La Liga 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 36 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Assists | 1 |
But there is no doubt that Zubimendi is an important signing, whose presence in holding midfield will help Rice further channel his creative abilities.
Rice enjoyed a career-best return of nine goals and 10 assists across all competitions last season, and stunned the footballing world when he scored a brace of free kicks against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals on 8 April.
Zubimendi’s arrival will ease the former West Ham star’s defensive workload, which is set to benefit Arteta’s men in an attacking sense.
Furthermore, Arsenal needed midfield reinforcements after Jorginho left the North Londoners on a free transfer and subsequently joined Brazilian Serie A side Flamengo.
Meanwhile, Thomas Partey’s Gunners contract also expired this summer before he was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, as reported by BBC News on Friday 4 July.