Martin Zubimendi has reportedly arrived in London as he edges closer to sealing a £51 million summer transfer to Arsenal, marking what is expected to be Mikel Arteta’s first signing ahead of the new Premier League campaign. The midfielder from Real Sociedad is said to be finalising formalities with club officials, with a medical anticipated to complete the deal.
Arsenal have long been admirers of the Spanish international, who boasts a £51 million release clause in his contract. The Gunners’ pursuit has intensified recently, particularly as they aim to bolster their midfield following Jorginho’s departure and the anticipated exit of Thomas Partey, whose contract expires at the end of June with no new agreement reportedly in place. Zubimendi’s move is viewed as a critical reinforcement for Arteta’s side.
The 26-year-old product of Real Sociedad's youth system has made 236 appearances for the club and contributed ten goals. His development at Sociedad includes lifting the Copa del Rey and winning international honours with Spain, notably Euro 2024 and the 2022-23 Nations League. Zubimendi shares past club ties with Arsenal teammates Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino and international camaraderie with David Raya. Notably, he previously turned down a move to Liverpool, but now appears set to test himself in the Premier League.
Arsenal’s position at the front of the race for Zubimendi has reportedly edged out fierce competition from Liverpool and Bayern Munich, with early tracking of the player dating back to 2022. While Real Madrid reportedly made some contact with Zubimendi’s camp, those overtures did not develop into a formal bid, and sources suggest Real Madrid is no longer a significant threat to Arsenal's pursuit. The player’s transfer is described in some quarters as effectively “done and signed,” with any delay in official announcements attributed to accounting considerations.
Beyond midfield reinforcements, Arsenal continue to explore options to enhance their attacking line-up, with Sporting Lisbon’s Victor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko mentioned among their targets. This activity underscores the club’s broader ambitions to mount a strong title challenge in the upcoming season.
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Source: Noah Wire Services