Martin Zubimendi could become one of only six players to achieve a remarkable feat whilst on Arsenal’s books.
On Sunday, Arsenal unveiled Zubimendi after his £51m transfer from Real Sociedad was finally confirmed.
The Spaniard becomes the second signing of the summer for the Gunners, following his countryman Kepa Arrizabalaga to the Emirates.
Arsenal were always on Zubimendi’s mind, with the 26-year-old leaving his boyhood club to secure a move to N5, where he’ll join some familiar faces.
- READ MORE: Instant reaction and insight as Arsenal announce Martin Zubimendi transfer from Real Sociedad
Martin Zubimendi could make Arsenal history at the 2026 World Cup
Zubimendi crossed paths with Martin Odegaard at Real Sociedad, where he also spent a lot of time playing alongside Mikel Merino.
David Raya is also known to the midfielder due to their international connection, with Arsenal now home to four current Spain internationals.
The outfield trio won Euro 2024 together last summer, beating England in the final, and now, they’ll hope to strike gold again as the 2026 World Cup fast approaches.
If Zubimendi were to win the World Cup with Spain, the new signing, alongside his compatriots, would write his name into Arsenal history.
Only six players have won the World Cup whilst being on the Gunners’ books, with the first to do it being Patrick Vieira and Emmanuel Petit.
It’s approaching the 27-year mark since Petit and Vieira won the 1998 World Cup, a tournament that Thierry Henry was also a part of, but the striker hadn’t yet signed for Arsenal.
Cesc Fabregas became the third player to complete the feat, winning the greatest prize of them all with Spain in 2010.
The most recent Arsenal players to win the World Cup were Lukas Podolski, Per Mertesacker and Mesut Ozil in 2014, when Germany beat Argentina in the final.
Having won Euro 2024 and boasting a remarkable squad, Spain have a good chance to win next year’s tournament, which could open the door to Zubimendi, Raya, Merino, and possibly Kepa making Arsenal history.
What titles has Zubimendi won in his career?
Zubimendi made it clear that he wants to win titles at Arsenal upon his arrival, with space to fill in his trophy cabinet.
The midfielder has won only one domestic trophy in his career, winning the Copa del Rey with Real Sociedad during the 2019/20 season.
At international level, Zubimendi has had better luck, winning Euro 2024, the 2023 Nations League and also collecting a silver medal at the 2021 Olympic Games.
The World Cup will be in the sight of Arsenal’s new signing, as will the silverware on offer over the 2025/26 calendar for the Gunners.
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