New Delhi: Arsenal look set to make their first major move of the summer, having already reached a verbal agreement with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. The Spanish international has agreed to join Mikel Arteta’s side with the Gunners prepared to activate his €60 million (£50.8m) release clause in the coming days.
The 26-year-old was a long-standing target for Arsenal, who have moved swiftly after previously missing out on him due to his desire to remain at Real Sociedad last year. Liverpool had also shown strong interest at the time, but Zubimendi opted to stay in San Sebastian, especially with Euro 2024 on the horizon. However, after lifting the continental trophy with Spain, he now appears ready for a new challenge in North London.
According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Zubimendi has verbally agreed to join the Gunners, and the deal has been given the well-known “Here we go” treatment. The Spanish midfielder is expected to sign a long-term contract, likely four or five years, as Arsenal move forward with formal steps to seal the transfer.
🚨 Arsenal agree deal to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, here we go! ❤️🤍
Zubimendi has now verbally agreed to sign a long term deal… so formal steps must follow soon with Arsenal to trigger €60m clause.
Zubi, ready to become the first signing of the new season. pic.twitter.com/yzYJOydstE
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 10, 2025
A statement signing for the midfield
With Jorginho likely to head to Flamengo upon the expiry of his contract this June and the uncertainty surrounding Thomas Partey’s future, Zubimendi arrives as a crucial addition to Arteta’s engine room. The Spaniard has been a key figure for Real Sociedad, making over 200 appearances and helping them win the Copa del Rey since joining their youth setup back in 2011.
Though not much known for his goals, he has 10 goals and nine assists in 232 games. Zubimendi is more about control and composure and will be expected to play the deep-lying number six role in the Gunners’ squad, complementing the more dynamic and attacking presence of Declan Rice. His strength lies in dictating tempo and winning midfield duels, and he is particularly impressive at carrying the ball forward and blocking shots.
In fact, his 65.6% take-on completion rate places him in the top 10% of midfielders across Europe’s top leagues. Additionally, his ability to read danger and block efforts on goal sees him ranked among the best in that department as well.
With Zubimendi in the fold, Arsenal have made a strong start to the window. The focus will now shift to bolstering other areas, including finding a new striker, a left winger, and potentially a goalkeeper, as Arteta looks to build a title-winning squad.
Arsenal land their first summer signing as Martin Zubimendi agrees to join from Real Sociedad, boosting Mikel Arteta’s midfield options. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
