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

The Spain international has signed a five-year contract at the Emirates Stadium after Arsenal agreed the transfer in March, having met his £51m release clause.

It is understood 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 after helping Spain win Euro 2024.