After a protracted transfer pursuit spanning several windows, it seems that Arsenal are set to get their man.
Barring a u-turn of spectacular proportions, Martin Zubimendi looks set to join the Gunners in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Spain international had previously resisted efforts from the North London-based outfit to leave Real Sociedad.
Former sporting director Edu will take most of the credit for orchestrating a deal long in the making.
Arsenal set to complete Martin Zubimendi transfer
Martin Zubimendi shoves Unai Gomez during La Liga game.
(Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that Zubimendi’s impending move to the English capital is all but done.
The 26-year-old midfielder, who had been linked with an assortment of top European sides, is set to formalise the move at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
“Martin Zubimendi will be the first signing of the summer transfer window at Arsenal,” the Italian exclusively informed CaughtOffside.
“The agreement is already in place. Just waiting to sign all the documents, with the formalities of the deal to take place at the end of the season.
“Why? Because Martin Zubimendi is a top professional and a big fan of Real Sociedad. He wants to respect the club until the end, so he won’t sign anything before. But verbally, everything is agreed between the clubs Real Sociedad and Arsenal.”
This follows local media confirmation of Martin Zubimendi’s Arsenal transfer. The footballer will soon link up with former La Real teammate Mikel Merino in London.
Martin Zubimendi stats
2.25 tackles per 90 (62nd percentile)
1.28 interceptions per 90 (76th percentile)
1.39 blocks per 90 (74th percentile)
2.73 clearances per 90 (94th percentile)
1.66 aerials won per 90 (85th percentile)
* Martin Zubimendi stats over last calendar year (FBref)
How much did Martin Zubimendi cost?
It’s hard to argue with a £50.4m fee for a footballer likened to international teammate Rodri.
“Arsenal will pay the amount of the [release] clause (€60m [£50.4m]) with an agreement made with Real Sociedad for that,” Romano went on to add.
“So, everything will be in place in the next weeks. Zubimendi will be the first signing for Arsenal under the new director, Andrea Berta.
“The deal was approved a long time ago by the coach, Mikel Arteta, who always wanted Zubimendi, who always considered Zubimendi an important part of the future project.”
Who did Arsenal beat to his signature?
There’s no denying this is quite the coup for Arsenal ahead of the opening of the summer transfer window.
Premier League winners Liverpool desperately wanted to sign Martin Zubimendi in 2024 in order to gift new head coach Arne Slot with a quality holding midfielder.
Bayern Munich, likewise, struggled with the No.6 position, with former Fulham midfielder João Palhinha a poor fit for Vincent Kompany’s side.
Regardless of interest from both European giants, the La Liga star has set his sights on joining Mikel Arteta’s project.
“After saying no to Bayern, to Liverpool and several other clubs in recent years, now he’s decided to say, ‘Yes’, to leaving Real Sociedad and join Arsenal in the summer transfer window,” Fabrizio Romano said.
“He’s going to be the first signing for the Gunners. Meanwhile, Jorginho is expected to join Flamengo on a three-year deal, free transfer.
“Arsenal keep negotiating with Thomas Partey over a new contract.”
More signings needed
It’s a pretty strong start to the window for Arsenal, but there are arguably even bigger fish for the club’s recruitment team to fry this summer.
A top striker (and critically, one that is reliably available) is one checkbox the Gunners must tick.
If reports are to be believed, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is well regarded by Andrea Berta and Co.