Arsenal’s Zubimendi transfer dates back to 2023 but the Spaniard’s loyalty to his boyhood club repeatedly delayed the move. Last summer, he rejected offers from Liverpool, opting to stay at Real Sociedad despite Champion’s League exit. This season, however, the tides turned. With the contract expiry of Jorginho and the uncertain future of Thomas Partey, Arteta prioritized reinforcing the midfield.
The key figures at Emirates like outgoing sporting director Edu and his successor, Andrea Berta, spearheaded negotiations. Berta, appointed in March 2025, faced immediate pressure to deliver and Zubimendi became his litmus test. Moreover, he talks accelerated in April after reports emerged that incoming Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso had added the midfielder to his wishlist. Gunners moved swiftly to avoid any late hijack while securing Zubimendi’s commitment before Madrid could formalize their interest.
Arsenal Zubimendi Transfer Saga: Fan’s Frustration
Arsenal’s Zubimendi transfer of 60 million euros release clause will be activated, with Arsenal likely paying in installments to preserve funds for other targets—a strategy previously used for Declan Rice . Nevertheless personal terms were settled quickly, with the player agreeing to a long-term contract. While formalities remain, Fabrizio Romano’s iconic “here we go” confirms the deal’s inevitability.
🚨 Arsenal agree deal to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, here we go! ❤️🤍
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
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 10, 2025
The transfer is a statement of intent. Zubimendi, a Euro 2024 winner with Spain, ranks among La Liga’s top midfielders for progressive passes and tackles. His composure in possession and defensive discipline make him an ideal successor to Partey, whose injury woes have plagued Arsenal’s title bids. Moreover, beating Madrid to his signature underscores the club’s revived allure under Arteta.
While many supporters celebrated the coup, others voiced concerns. “Another midfielder? We need a striker!” trended on social media, reflecting frustration over Arsenal’s three-year hunt for a clinical no. 9. The critics argue that a prolific forward, not a fifth defensive midfielder, could have bridged the gap in last season’s Premier League title race.
Yet, context tempers these complaints. Zubimendi’s arrival addresses a genuine need. Jorginho’s departure and Partey’s unreliability left Rice overworked. The Spaniard’s ability to anchor the midfield will free up Rice and Odegaard to drive attack, a tactical upgrade Arteta deems essential for competing on multiple fronts.
Arsenal’s Zubimendi Transfer on Board; Strikers Still Priority
Berta’s to-do list extends beyond Zubimendi. A striker remains the top priority, with Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres (74.5m Euros release clause) and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko leading the shortlist. Arsenal are also eyeing Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams and Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García, signaling a summer overhaul. The financial prudence guides these moves. By staggering payments for Zubimendi, Arsenal retain flexibility to pursue Gyökeres or Sesko without breaching Financial Fair Play rules. Meanwhile, contract renewals for Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Gabriel Magalhães are underway to secure the core.
For Zubimendi, the challenge is twofold. Firstly adapting to the Premier League’s intensity and secondly, justifying his price tag. His professionalism offers reassurance as he refused to entertain transfer talks until Sociedad’s season concluded, earning praise from teammates and fans alike. Arteta, meanwhile, sees this signing as foundational. “With the players we have and everyone fit, we’re a super-strong team,” he said after Arsenal’s Champions League semi-final exit. Zubimendi’s arrival bolsters that belief, injecting steel into a squad that’s come agonizingly close to glory.
The Road Ahead
Arsenal’s acquisition of Martin Zubimendi is not just a transfer rather it is a declaration. By outmaneuvering Europe’s elite and addressing a critical gap, the club has reaffirmed its ambition to dominate both domestically and continentally. While questions linger over the striker search, this deal exemplifies the calculated, long-term vision driving Arsenal’s resurgence.
For Zubimendi, the Emirates represents a stage to elevate his career. For Arsenal, he’s the catalyst to finally turn “C” of ‘close’ into the “C” of ‘champions’. The pieces are falling into place and now, it is time to deliver.
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