Arsenal are on the verge of completing the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in a deal worth £51 million, with the Spain international set to undergo a medical in the coming days.
Well-placed sources have confirmed that all formal paperwork between the two clubs has been finalised, and Arsenal are currently arranging the final medical checks ahead of making the 26-year-old’s signing official.
Despite no urgency surrounding the medical due to the completed documentation, all parties are keen to conclude the transfer swiftly. Once Zubimendi passes the medical, Arsenal will announce his arrival at the Emirates Stadium.
The highly rated midfielder’s release clause, reportedly set at £51 million, has been triggered, with the payment structure between Arsenal and Sociedad fully agreed. The Gunners, long-time admirers of Zubimendi, have been working on the transfer for several months.
Zubimendi, a product of Real Sociedad’s esteemed academy, has made over 180 La Liga appearances since his debut in 2019, scoring six goals and providing six assists. Known for his intelligence, ball distribution, and ability to control the tempo of matches, he played a pivotal role in Sociedad’s midfield and earned praise across Europe.
Spanish football pundit Guillem Balague described him as “perhaps, after Rodri, the best holding midfielder in the world.” Zubimendi underlined that reputation during Euro 2024, stepping in for Rodri to help Spain defeat England 2-1 in the final.
While Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is eager to extend the contract of veteran midfielder Thomas Partey, who featured prominently last season, Zubimendi’s arrival is expected to significantly strengthen the Gunners’ midfield options.
In addition to Zubimendi, Arsenal are actively targeting a new centre-forward, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres among the shortlisted names.
The North London club is also progressing in contract renewal talks with several key players, including Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Leandro Trossard, Thomas Partey, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Ethan Nwaneri.
