Arsenal are close to agreeing a deal to sign Real Sociedad’s midfielder, Martin Zubimendi, for next summer. The 25-year-old Spaniard has been a long-term target for the Gunners, and according to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are in advanced negotiations for the Euro 2024 winner to join the club ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Zubimendi has a €60 million release clause in his contract with Sociedad, and Arsenal are willing to trigger it this month.
Reports also suggest that there’s been interest from other European giants like Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Liverpool agreed a deal with Real Sociedad for the midfielder last summer, but Zubimendi’s reluctance to leave his boyhood club led him to reject the Merseyside club.
Arsenal have been following the midfielder’s performance since last season, where he played a pivotal role in Sociedad securing a spot in the Europa League. Zubimendi’s ability to dictate play from the deep-lying midfield position and a potential partnership with Declan Rice next season makes him an ideal fit for Mikel Arteta’s tactical setup.
The deal won’t be straightforward. Fabrizio Romano emphasized that, while there is genuine interest from Arsenal, Zubimendi’s love for Sociedad and the city of San Sebastian has always been a hurdle.
Arsenal will hope to make progress on Zubimendi’s deal this month and also bring in players that can help ease recent injury burdens. The likes of Saka and Gabriel Jesus will be out for a significant period, and Arteta has confirmed that The Gunners will look to do a deal or two.
