Arsenal have finalized a deal to sign Real Sociedad’s defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi, marking a significant coup for the Gunners, according to reports.
The 25-year-old Spaniard, a long-term target of manager Mikel Arteta, has verbally agreed to a long-term contract with the north London club.
The agreement, first reported by Mail Sport in January, follows over a year of pursuit by Arteta, with negotiations effectively concluded during the winter transfer window. Although Arsenal pushed for an earlier move, Real Sociedad insisted Zubimendi remain until the season’s end. The midfielder also stayed in Spain last summer despite interest from Arsenal and Liverpool, with the Gunners opting not to submit a formal bid in 2024.
Arsenal are now set to trigger Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause, with final formalities expected to be completed soon. The transfer marks the first signing under new sporting director Andrea Berta, who joined from Atletico Madrid in March following Edu’s departure and Jason Ayto’s brief interim role.
The Gunners outmaneuvered competition from Liverpool and Manchester City to secure Zubimendi, a player prioritized over a forward despite fan calls for attacking reinforcements.