Arsenal have signed midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a £51m deal.

Spain international has penned a five-year deal after Arsenal agreed the transfer in March, having met his £51m release clause.

It is understood that the pre-agreement proved important for Arsenal after Real Madrid expressed a strong interest in the 26-year-old last month following Xabi Alonso's arrival as manager.

Liverpool had also been interested in Zubimendi last summer, but he turned down a move to Anfield to stay at Real Sociedad.

Zubimendi becomes Arsenal's second signing this summer, joining fellow Spaniard Kepa Arrizabalaga at the club following his £5m move from Chelsea.

Brentford captain Christian Norgaard could follow Zubimendi and Kepa next through the Arsenal door, after a £15m deal was agreed last month to sign the Bees midfielder.

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