LONDON – Arsenal announced the signing of midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad on July 6 in a deal reportedly worth around £55 million (S$95.6 million).

Euro 2024 winner Zubimendi had previously been a target for Liverpool and was also linked with Real Madrid.

Fans in Singapore may get an early glimpse of the Spaniard when the Gunners come to town later in July for the Festival of Football. Arsenal will play friendlies against AC Milan (July 23) and Newcastle (July 27) at the National Stadium.

“This is a huge moment in my career,” said the defensive midfielder, who is understood to have put pen to paper on a five-year deal.

“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.”

The Athletic reported that Arsenal paid above Zubimendi’s €60 million (S$90.1 million) buyout clause in order to spread the cost of the fee over a number of instalments.

Zubimendi, 26, made 236 appearances in all competitions for Sociedad after graduating from the club’s academy and has played 19 times for Spain.

He will reinforce manager Mikel Arteta’s midfield options after the departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho. Partey was on July 4 charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault after complaints by three women, UK police said.

Zubimendi’s arrival paves the way for Arsenal’s record signing Declan Rice to play a more attacking midfield role alongside captain Martin Odegaard.

“Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football intelligence to our team,” said Arteta.

“He will fit in really well and he has all the ...