Arsenal confirmed the signing of the Spanish international Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad for a fee of £ 61 million on Sunday – considerably more than its £ 52 million release clause.
Zubimendi, 26, signed a five-year-old deal with the Gunners, who could beat the Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester City to his signature.
The Spanish international has long been courted by the side of Mikel Arteta, who finally achieved one of their most important goals. And it seems that his acquisition was so crucial for Arteta that the Premier League was hopefully prepared to spend on the opportunities to add him to their ranks.
The willingness of Arsenal to go higher than the release clause in Zubimendi's contract enabled them to pay the transfer costs in installments. Simply activating the exit clause of the midfielder should have demanded them that they punch the £ 52 million in cash in one go – and possibly hinder their chances of signing other expensive goals.
A fact strengthened by the news that quickly followed the confirmation of the signing of Zubimendi, that the club is in advanced conversations with Sporting Lisbon about the signing of Viktor Gyokeres.
That deal is expected to reduce the Northern London side £ 70 million prior to a Make-Or-Break campaign for Arteta dug in the Arsenal.
Moreover, Arsenal is ready to make an offer for Chelsea wing player Noni Madueke after the representatives of the English International Personal Conditions had agreed with the Gunners.
Chelsea wants more than £ 50 million for Madueke and has conducted a preliminary investigation into the teenage wing of Arsenal Ethan Nwaneri who still has to agree on the conditions about a new contract.
The arrival of Zubimendi will be a huge boost for the midfield of Arsenal, which has undergone a recast after the departure of Thomas Partey and Jorginho.
The Spaniard, who will bear the number 36 at the Emirates, appeared 180 performances in Laliga for Sociedad after their academy arrangement and has 18 caps for the Spanish national team.
Zubimendi told Arsenal's club website: 'This is a huge moment in my career. It is the movement that I was looking for and one that I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realize how big this club and this team are.
'I set my sights on Arsenal because their playing style suits me well. They have shown their potential lately and the best yet to come. '
Sports director Andrea Berta, added: 'We are so happy to bring Martin to Arsenal and there are a lot proud of the completion of this transfer. Martin was an important target for us and we all know that it fits perfectly with our team with the high quality he has.
'We welcome Martin and his family to the club. We look forward to it being in his teammates and are very enthusiastic to see him play in an Arsenal shirt. '
Mikel Arteta added: 'Martin is a player who will bring a huge amount of quality and football information to our team. He fits very well and he has all the attributes to be an important player for us.
'The standard that he has consistently performed for both club and country in recent seasons is exactly why we are so enthusiastic to have him with us. We all welcome Martin and his family to the club. '
His arrival in North Londs will see him reunite with Mikel Merino, who also left the Basque Country for the Emirates Stadium last summer.
Although Mailsport exclusively revealed in January that Arsenal had landed Zubimendi, the Liga side did not want to lose such an important player in the middle of the season.
Their attitude, in combination with Arteta's wish to sign Merino, explains why Zubimendi is only now connected. His arrival will be an important boost for Gunners fans who hope for a first title in the next 22 -year -old campaign – after three consecutive second finishes placed under Arteta.