Arsenal’s midfield plans for the 2025/26 season have taken a major step forward as **Martin Zubimendi** has now arrived in **London** to complete the final formalities of his long-anticipated move to the **Emirates Stadium**, according to _The Athletic_. The 26-year-old Spanish international joins from **Real Sociedad**, with the deal internally regarded by Arsenal as **“done and signed”** for several weeks.
This development marks the near completion of one of Arsenal’s most significant transfer pursuits of the summer. Zubimendi’s arrival will give Mikel Arteta the kind of elite, ball-playing midfielder he has coveted — a player with experience at the top level, composure in possession, and the tactical intelligence to thrive in both domestic and European competition.
### **Final Stages Underway**
Zubimendi landed in the English capital this week and is expected to undergo routine medical checks before putting pen to paper on his long-term contract with the Gunners. He will also meet key Arsenal figures — including manager **Mikel Arteta**, sporting director **Andrea Berta**, and senior executives — to complete the last pieces of paperwork and media formalities before his official unveiling.
Arsenal and Real Sociedad had previously agreed on a structure that allows the Gunners to pay slightly more than the €60 million release clause, but in **installments** — a financial strategy that suited both clubs given their strong relationship.
Arteta has been a long-time admirer of Zubimendi and was keen to bring him in as a **midfield anchor** who can dictate tempo, shield the defence, and rotate with **Declan Rice** in the No. 6 role. The former Real Sociedad captain brings maturity, leadership, and a winning mentality from La Liga, having been a key part of Sociedad’s recent success in both the league and Europe.
For Arsenal, Zubimendi offers something they’ve lacked since the departure of Granit Xhaka — a composed, tactically disciplined midfielder with strong positional awareness and elite passing range.
### **Midfield Revamp in Motion**
Zubimendi’s arrival also comes at a time of change in Arsenal’s engine room. **Jorginho** and **Thomas Partey** are both expected to depart this summer, and the club has made no secret of its desire to reshape the midfield with younger, technically refined players who can drive Arteta’s long-term project forward.
Having been involved in Spain’s national team setup, Zubimendi is no stranger to high standards and intense tactical demands — elements that will fit seamlessly into Arsenal’s blueprint as they prepare for another push in the **Premier League** and **Champions League**.
### **What’s Next?**
Zubimendi is expected to join up with his new teammates for **pre-season** in July, where he’ll begin adapting to Arteta’s philosophy and Premier League football. The club hopes to announce his signing officially in the coming days, once all documentation is completed.
For Arsenal fans, the arrival of Martin Zubimendi signals a bold move toward consolidating their status among Europe’s elite — with one of Spain’s finest midfielders now ready to don the red and white of Arsenal.
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