Arsenal have reportedly struck an agreement with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi over a summer transfer and will soon trigger the Spaniard's €60m (£50.8m) release clause.
After the Euro 2024 winner rejected the chance to join Liverpool last year in favour of remaining in San Sebastian, Arsenal moved to the head of the queue to bring him to England this time around.
It was reported in January that the Gunners were well-poised to seal a deal for Zubimendi ahead of the 2025-26 season, in spite of the midfielder having second thoughts about a Premier League move last year.
Real Madrid have reportedly been lurking in the background, hoping to hijack the Gunners' prospective move for Zubimendi, but Los Blancos' attempts to tempt him away from the Emirates have apparently ended in failure.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Zubimendi and Arsenal have now reached a 'verbal agreement', and the transfer has been given the famous 'Here we go' by the Italian expert.
Zubimendi 'verbally agrees' Arsenal move before £50.8m decision
© Imago
Now that the 26-year-old has given Arsenal his word, the Gunners are ready to trigger the affordable €60m (£50.8m) clause in his Real Sociedad contract, and the formal steps will follow 'soon'.
It is not clear how many years Zubimendi's first Emirates contract will run for, but Romano adds that the defensive midfielder has said yes to a long-term agreement, suggesting that he will pen a four or five-season deal.
Zubimendi will become Arsenal's first signing of the summer window and will fill at least one midfield void for next season, as Jorginho is expected to join Flamengo when his contract expires in June.
First-choice number six Thomas Partey could also depart when his own deal runs out at the end of the season, although Arsenal are believed to be exploring an extension with the Ghana international.
Zubimendi's switch to North London will bring an end to his 14-year stay at Real Sociedad, whom he joined as a youth player in 2011, since when he has made over 200 appearances while winning one Copa del Rey.
What will Zubimendi bring to Arsenal?
🚨 Arsenal agree deal to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, here we go! ❤️🤍
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 10, 2025
Zubimendi has now verbally agreed to sign a long term deal... so formal steps must follow soon with Arsenal to trigger €60m clause.
Zubi, ready to become the first signing of the new season. pic.twitter.com/yzYJOydstE
Saturday mornings do not get much better than this for Gooners, whose club's transfer team have got one over Liverpool with the capture of Zubimendi, even if the Reds claimed the ultimate prize in the form of the Premier League trophy.
As a deep-lying number six with just 19 goal contributions from 232 games for Real Sociedad - 10 of his own and nine assists - there will be little pressure on Zubimendi to contribute to attacking phases; that will be Declan Rice's job.
Instead, the 26-year-old will be tasked with controlling the flow of the game from the base of the midfield, and do not be surprised to see him carry the ball forward with confidence either.
Out of all midfielders in Europe's big five leagues over the past year, Zubimendi ranks in the top 10% for take-on completion with a 65.6% success rate, while also sitting in the top 6% for shots blocked per match.
The signing of the Spain international is a strong start to the summer for Arsenal, but Mikel Arteta must now add a striker, left-winger and goalkeeper to his ranks if he is to transform the Gunners from also-rans into all-conquering champions.
Ben Knapton
