Arsenal Set to Sign Martín Zubimendi in £51m Deal

Arsenal are on the verge of completing a major summer signing, with Spain midfielder Martín Zubimendi set to join from Real Sociedad.

The Gunners have reportedly agreed to pay his £51 million release clause and have finalized personal terms, making the Martín Zubimendi Arsenal transfer nearly official.

Zubimendi, who recently turned 26, has been a long-term target for Mikel Arteta. The Arsenal manager sees him as a key piece in strengthening the midfield as the club looks to finally win the Premier League title after three consecutive second-place finishes.

Last summer, Zubimendi rejected a move to Liverpool, and in recent weeks, Real Madrid under new manager Xabi Alonso were also said to be interested. Alonso had previously coached Zubimendi during his time at Real Sociedad’s B team.

However, it now looks like Arsenal have won the race, with the midfielder ready for a move to North London.

This transfer will see Zubimendi join former teammate Mikel Merino, who left Sociedad for Arsenal last summer in a deal worth about £32 million.

With the financial details of Zubimendi’s release clause now sorted, Arsenal are confident he will be their first major signing since Andrea Berta took over as sporting director in March.

Berta replaced Jason Ayto, who stepped in temporarily after Edu’s unexpected move to Nottingham Forest last November. Ayto is expected to leave the club, returning to his previous role as assistant sporting director.

Since Berta’s arrival, he has been active in the transfer market. He has already spoken with the agents of Spain forward Nico Williams, who has a release clause of £58 million and is also on Arsenal’s radar.

While midfield has been a focus, Arsenal are now turning their attention to signing a new striker. Two names top their list: Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig and Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting Lisbon.

Arsenal had looked at Sesko last summer but didn’t move forward. However, the 21-year-old Slovenian striker recently said he wants to play for a club that will help him grow and perform at his best—something Arsenal could offer.

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At the same time, the club is working on securing the futures of key players. Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Gabriel Magalhães all have contracts that will expire in the next two years, and talks are ongoing to extend their deals.

Leandro Trossard is reportedly close to signing a new contract, while discussions are underway with young talents Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, who made a breakthrough from the academy this season.

In midfield, Thomas Partey’s future has been under the spotlight. His contract ends in June, but Arteta recently expressed hope that the Ghanaian international will stay.

If he does, he’ll likely compete with Zubimendi for a starting position, especially now that Jorginho is expected to leave the club for Brazilian side Flamengo.

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