Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, as Mikel Arteta looks to reinforce his squad.
The North Londoners’ immediate focus in the transfer market remains on strengthening their attacking options, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus sidelined by injuries. Despite their efforts, the Gunners face challenges in securing key targets. However, they may have found a breakthrough in a deal for a special talent.
According to an exclusive report from FootballTransfers, Arsenal have sealed an agreement on personal terms with Martin Zubimendi. They are ready to pay the Real Sociedad star around €80,000 in order to lure him to the Emirates Stadium.
The Premier League side are also prepared to pay the player’s €60 million release clause and there are no issues between the clubs, although leaving his boyhood club is a huge emotional decision to make for Zubimendi. This was demonstrated when he rejected a move to Liverpool in the past summer transfer window.
As things stand, Arsenal have made an early move to secure Zubimendi’s signature ahead of their European rivals in a bid to land him in the summer.
Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal—How will he help the team?
Arsenal bolstered their midfield unit in the previous transfer window by signing Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad. Interestingly, they are set to raid Real Sociedad again for Merino’s former midfield partner Martin Zubimendi, who has been on the radars of several Premier League clubs in recent years.
In Merino, Jorginho, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey, the Gunners’ midfield unit is well-stocked. However, with Jorginho and Thomas Partey into the final six months of their contracts, the club have started planning for the future. And Zubimendi at 25 would represent that.
Regarded as one of the finest central midfielders in Europe, Zubimendi has made over 200 senior appearances for Real Sociedad after rising through their youth ranks. He can operate as a lone defensive midfielder in a possession-based side. Technically gifted and tactically versatile, the San Sebastian born and bred, who was a part of the Spanish side that won the Euro 2024 in Germany, would be an excellent addition to Arteta’s side.
The Spaniard would immediately enhance the technical flooring of the Arsenal side, whilst being a fantastic fit in a possession-based system employed by Arteta. Zubimendi’s potential arrival should allow the Gunners to release Jorginho at the end of the season, and having the Sociedad maestro in his ranks will give Arteta the chance to rest Rice.
A leader on and off the pitch as well, Zubimendi can do a bit of everything in the middle of the park. And Arsenal having agreed personal terms with the player would suggest that he is finally open to leaving his boyhood club and take up a new challenge in his blossoming career.