Martin Zubimendi's transfer stance has been confirmed as one of the saga's of the summer looks to draw to a close.
Arsenal have seemingly beaten Real Madrid to the punch, with the highly-rated La Liga star being tracked by the two giants. The Gunners, according to The Athletic, have been working to land a deal for the star who has a who has a €60million (£51.7m; $63.4m) release clause.
And Zubimendi is now in London with his representatives to hash out the final details of his move to the north London club.
Real Madrid liked Zubimendi but decided not to pursue a move for the player this summer, while Arsenal always regarded the deal as done, despite noise around a potential move to Xabi Alonso’s side.
Liverpool had also been in the hunt for the midfielder - but he decided against a move to Anfield last summer.
Arsenal, who reached the Champions League semi-finals this season and finished second in the Premier League, struggled with injuries last season - and Arteta has been keen to bolster his squad depth.
Alongside a new No.9, Arsenal have been looking a new midfielder following the departure of Jorginho to Flamengo and Thomas Partey’s expiring contract - talks have been opened with the Ghanaian about expanding his stay.
Zubimendi scored two goals and provided two assists in 36 La Liga appearances for Real Sociedad last season.
Munich, Germany - June 8: Martin Zubimendi of Spain controls the Ball during the UEFA Nations League 2025 final match between Portugal and Spain at Munich Football Arena on June 8, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Harry Langer/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)
Martin Zubimendi has impressed in Spain (Image: DeFodi Images, DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
Arteta is now expected to turn his attention to a new striker, with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres both heavily linked with moves to the red half of north London.
Reports in Portugal have claimed that Gyokeres could go on strike to force a move away after suggestions that the club had previously agreed to let him leave if a set valuation was met.
However, Frederico Varandas insists that is not the case and said: “But people should know that threats, blackmail and insults will not work with me.
"I can guarantee one thing: Viktor Gyokeres won’t leave here for €60million plus €10m in add-ons. He won’t, and the game the agent is playing will only make the situation worse. As of now, we haven’t had one offer for him.”