Arsenal have reportedly reached an advanced agreement to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi for £51 million at the end of the current season, beating rivals Liverpool and Manchester City to his signature.
According to reports from the Mail Online, the Gunners are set to activate the 25-year-old’s release clause, securing an addition to their midfield ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. Arsenal initially hoped to bring Zubimendi to the Emirates in January, but Sociedad remained resolute in retaining him as they push for a strong finish in La Liga and the Europa League.
This season, Zubimendi has been an essential cog for Real Sociedad, featuring in 18 league games. The Basque club currently sits seventh, vying for another European qualification spot. The midfielder has delivered solid performances, maintaining an 84.9% passing accuracy rate, winning 57.8% of his tackles, and averaging 1.5 interceptions per game (Fotmob).
Midfield Reinforcements for Arsenal
Mikel Arteta’s side is already planning for the future, with Zubimendi’s signing seen as a strategic move to bolster their midfield. However, a serious injury to Gabriel Jesus in their FA Cup clash with Manchester United has also left the Gunners looking to the transfer market.
In midfield, contracts for Thomas Partey and Jorginho are set to expire at the end of the season, leaving Arsenal in need of fresh legs in the middle of the park.
The signing of Mikel Merino from Arteta’s former club has already led to a marked improvement in Arsenal’s midfield. The Gunners will be keen for a Sociedad reunion for Zubimendi and Merino moving forward with Mikel Arteta’s side needed a long-term solution in midfield.
Interest from Premier League Rivals
Both Liverpool and Manchester City were reportedly tracking Zubimendi before Arsenal emerged as frontrunners for his signature.
The current league leaders had pursued the Spaniard for the majority of last summer before settling on playing Ryan Gravenberch, who has impressed this season, in the number six role.
On the other hand, Man City are desperate for some stability in midfield after the potentially season-ending injury to Ballon d’or winner Rodri. With Gundogan’s return not going as smoothly as his first spell at the club, fresh legs are needed.
If the reports are true, the move aligns with the Gunners’ recent strategy of investing in young, proven talent to sustain their title challenge in the Premier League whilst competing in the transfer market with their rivals.