Arsenal have made another big move this summer.
The club is aiming to go one better than last season and finally take the Premier League title.
After bringing in Kepa Arrizabalaga, Arsenal added a strong, intelligent midfielder to their squad.
This signing comes from Spain, just like Kepa. Martin Zubimendi brings calm on the ball and a good sense of positioning.
Many fans expected Zubimendi to wear a traditional number.
After all, he is not a youth player. He played for Spain and was a key man at his former club, Real Sociedad.
But when the club revealed his shirt, supporters were left surprised.
It was not a number associated with regular starters. Not even one of the newly freed-up options.
Some guessed Martin Zubimendi would take the number he wore for his national team, 18.
That number had just become available after the departure of Takehiro Tomiyasu from the Emirates. Yet, he passed on that.
Instead, Zubimendi went for a number that has rarely been seen on regular starters in recent seasons.
A young academy player was wearing that number last season.
And now, as reported by the Mirror, we know the reason why Martin Zubimendi chose that particular number.
Yes, the Spanish international chose the number 36, the same number he wore during his early days at Real Sociedad.
He wants to return to his roots and bring the same hunger that helped him break into professional football.
The move forced youngster Tommy Setford to find a new squad number, but it is clear Zubimendi values what 36 means to him.
Martin Zubimendi may be a £55 million signing, but his choice shows he has not forgotten where he came from.
Arsenal fans will hope he brings that same determination onto the pitch this season and help then finally lift the Premier League this season.
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