Arsenal are on the brink of completing their first major signing of the summer with the imminent arrival of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi in a deal worth £51 million.
The Spain international is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days, with the necessary documents already signed by all parties involved. Sources have told BBC Sport that Arsenal and Sociedad have finalised the structure of the transfer, and the only step left is for the 26-year-old to pass his medical before the club can officially unveil him.
Zubimendi’s move marks a significant step in Mikel Arteta’s plans to strengthen his squad following a season where Arsenal again fell short in the title race and exited the Champions League in the semi-finals. The Gunners have admired Zubimendi for several seasons and made a concerted push to secure his signature ahead of several European rivals, including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Liverpool.
While scheduling the medical has not been rushed due to the completed paperwork, Arsenal are keen to conclude the deal swiftly to allow Zubimendi time to integrate with the squad before pre-season begins.
Zubimendi’s £51m release clause was triggered by Arsenal earlier this month, and Sociedad have now agreed to the payment terms. The midfielder’s move is expected to add both depth and quality to a midfield that has at times been overly reliant on Thomas Partey, who started 31 of Arsenal’s 38 Premier League games this season and 11 of their 14 Champions League ties.
Though Arteta is eager for the 31-year-old Ghanaian to extend his stay, the club recognises the need to reduce Partey’s workload and prepare for the future. Zubimendi, who has made 180 La Liga appearances and won 17 senior caps for Spain, is seen as a long-term solution in the holding role.
Known for his calmness on the ball and exceptional passing range, Zubimendi completed 84% of his passes in La Liga this season and led his team in overall pass completion. Spanish football expert Guillem Balague recently claimed that Zubimendi is “perhaps, after Rodri, the best holding midfielder in the world.”
Indeed, comparisons to Manchester City’s Rodri were amplified when Zubimendi replaced the injured midfielder during Spain’s Euro 2024 final win over England, delivering a composed and disciplined display off the bench.
Although not known for goals or assists—he has six of each in his Sociedad career—Zubimendi’s strength lies in dictating the tempo and starting attacking moves from deep, making him an ideal fit for Arteta’s possession-based system.
Arsenal are not expected to stop with Zubimendi. The club remains in the market for a top-class centre-forward, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres both under consideration. Either would represent a marquee signing in attack and provide the cutting edge that was missing at crucial moments this past season.
Additionally, Arsenal are actively working on securing new contracts for key players. Talks are ongoing with Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Gabriel, Leandro Trossard, and Thomas Partey, as well as promising youngsters Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.
Zubimendi’s move sends a clear message that Arsenal are serious about challenging both domestically and in Europe next season. If all goes according to plan, he will be the first piece in what looks set to be a pivotal summer for the Gunners.
