Real Sociedad fans begged Martin Zubimendi to stay at the weekend, but the player will join Arsenal this summer, according to reports in Spain.
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Samu Costa of RCD Mallorca during the LaLiga match between Real Sociedad and RCD Mallorca at Reale Arena on April 12, 2025. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
Following Real Sociedad’s final home game of the 2024/25 campaign on Sunday, Marca report that their post-match lap of appreciation for the fans was interrupted by chants directed at Martin Zubimendi.
Supporters chanted “Zubi quédate, Zubi quédate!” or “Zubi stay, Zubi stay!” as the team lapped the pitch, in a last-ditch attempt to get the midfielder to stick around. The player responded to the chants with applause.
But Marca write that Zubimendi will leave for Arsenal in a few weeks, with his decision to move on “more than made”.
MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 16: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad celebrates after scoring his team's opening goal during the LaLiga match between Rayo Vallecano and Real Sociedad at Estadio de Vallecas on March 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
Earlier this month, Fabrizio Romano reported that Arsenal had verbally agreed a deal with Zubimendi for a long-term contract. Zubimendi is set to become the Gunners’ first signing of the summer, with only the formalities of his transfer remaining.
The local media in Sociedad have previously shot down claims of a done deal for Arsenal to sign Zubimendi, but Mikel Recalde of Noticias de Gipuzkoa finally conceded that “the soap opera is over” and the midfielder will play in north London next season.
Recalde added that Arsenal will pay at least the €60m (£50.8m) of Zubimendi’s release clause, but they may have negotiated a slightly higher fee in return for favourable payment terms.
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK: Martín Zubimendi of Spain in action during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A4 match between Denmark and Spain at on November 15, 2024. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images
Zubimendi is a key player for club and country at the moment, making 47 appearances for Real Sociedad this season and starting six of Spain’s last eight matches.
The 26-year-old was also a regular in the Spain squad as they won Euro 2024, making four appearances including 45 vital minutes to win the final following the injury to Rodri.
The season isn’t quite over yet, with Real Sociedad playing one more game away to Real Madrid and then Zubimendi likely heading off on international duty in June.
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