Arsenal have officially completed the signing of 26-year-old Spanish midfielder Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad on a five-year contract. The deal is valued at £51 million, which matches his release clause. It marks a major coup for Mikel Arteta’s side as they bolster their midfield following the departures of Jorginho and Thomas Partey.

Zubimendi arrives from Real Sociedad, where he featured in 236 senior matches, helped the club win the Copa del Rey in 2020, and earned 19 caps for Spain, including a key role in their Euro 2024 triumph. He turned down interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool and suitors Real Madrid. He becomes Arsenal’s second major summer signing after Kepa Arrizabalaga, signaling the club’s ambition for sustained success.

How His Style Fits Arsenal

Renowned as a composed deep-lying playmaker with strong defensive instincts, Zubimendi is often compared to Sergio Busquets for his calm game control and ability to dictate tempo. He fits seamlessly into Mikel Arteta’s tactical blueprint, offering coverage in front of the defence and enabling more dynamic midfield partners like Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard to operate further forward.

At Arsenal, Zubimendi will wear the No. 36 shirt. His early acquisition will allow him to integrate fully during pre-season ahead of a challenging Premier League campaign that includes high-profile clashes with Manchester United, Liverpool, and Manchester City.

By securing a specialist in the holding midfield role, Arteta not only replaces outgoing experience but also adds a young, technically proficient, and tactically intelligent player. Zubimendi is expected to become a key figure in Arsenal’s pursuit of Premier League and Champions League silverware.

Real Madrid overcame a late scare to secure a thrilling 3–2 victory over Borussia Dortmund in their FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final at MetLife Stadium. Goals from Gonzalo García (10′) and Fran García (20′) gave Los Blancos control early on, but a frantic stoppage-time sequence kept fans on the edge of their seats.

Madrid appeared poised for comfortable progression, with García’s left-back strike following his earlier opener reflecting their dominance. However, the dramatic final minutes saw three goals, a red card, and a heroic save. Dortmund’s Maximilian Beier pulled one back in the 90+2′ mark. Kylian Mbappé then launched a sensational volley in the 90+4′ to restore Madrid’s two-goal cushion.

In a nerve-jangling finale, Madrid defender Dean Huijsen was sent off for a foul on Serhou Guirassy, who converted the resulting penalty in the 90+8′ to make it 3–2. Thibaut Courtois stood tall in the end, making a last-gasp save from Marcel Sabitzer to secure the win.

Tactical Insight and Standout Performances

Under Xabi Alonso, Madrid showed early intent by combining youthful flair with experienced structure. Gonzalo García and Fran García, both academy graduates, shone in wide positions, while Arda Güler orchestrated play with incisive vision. Conversely, Dortmund managed limited threat until late, with their response highlighting Madrid’s momentary lapse in concentration.

Defensively, Courtois was exceptional beyond his final save. His presence steadied Madrid amid chaos. Despite Huijsen’s dismissal, veteran composure from midfield anchor Aurélien Tchouaméni helped weather the storm and preserve the narrow lead.

Hook, Reaction and What Comes Next

The match began with a respectful minute’s silence in memory of the late footballers Diogo Jota and André Silva, which impacted both locker rooms. After the final whistle, Alonso expressed strong praise for Courtois’s performance, which proved decisive in the closing moments.

Real Madrid will now face Paris Saint-Germain, featuring the returning Mbappé, in the semi-final on July 8. This sets up a compelling reunion between the French superstar and his former club.

Paris Saint-Germain advanced to the semi-finals of the FIFA Club World Cup with a stunning 2–0 win over Bayern Munich on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Despite being reduced to nine men in a chaotic second half, PSG showed resilience and sharp finishing to knock out the German champions.

Doué Breaks Deadlock, Dembélé Seals It

The breakthrough came in the 78th minute when Désiré Doué punished a costly error from Harry Kane, firing a powerful strike into the bottom corner to put PSG ahead. Bayern struggled to respond, and their hopes were further dashed in stoppage time as Ousmane Dembélé finished a swift counter-attack to double the lead.

Red Cards and Injury Drama

The match saw high drama as PSG finished with only nine players on the pitch. Defender Willian Pacho was shown a straight red card in the 82nd minute for a reckless challenge, and Lucas Hernández was also dismissed in stoppage time for elbowing Raphaël Guerreiro.

Bayern’s misery was compounded by a serious injury to Jamal Musiala, who was stretchered off late in the first half with a suspected fractured ankle after a collision with Gianluigi Donnarumma.

VAR Woes for Bayern

Bayern believed they had equalized through Harry Kane in added time, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Moments later, a penalty awarded to Thomas Müller was overturned after a VAR review, leaving the German side furious.

Despite enjoying more possession and chances, Bayern were unable to break down a defiant PSG defense, with Donnarumma making several key saves to preserve the clean sheet.

What’s Next?

PSG now move on to the semi-finals, where they await the winner of the highly anticipated clash between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund. With belief, momentum, and remarkable grit, the French champions look poised for a serious run at the title.

For Bayern, it’s a bitter end to their Club World Cup hopes — one marked by injuries, missed chances, and hard questions for coach Vincent Company.