Martin Zubimendi
Image credit: now.Arsenal
Arsenal are on the cusp of landing one of Europe’s most coveted midfielders, with Martin Zubimendi expected to don the No. 36 shirt once his transfer from Real Sociedad is officially confirmed this summer.
The 26-year-old Spain international, widely regarded for his intelligence and poise in a deep-lying playmaker role, is set to complete his long-awaited move to the Emirates Stadium in early July. Arsenal have reportedly agreed to pay slightly above Zubimendi’s €60 million (£51 million) release clause, structuring the payment in installments to align with their financial strategy.
According to reports, the delay in announcement stems from Real Sociedad’s desire to register the sale in their 2025/26 financial year.
Zubimendi, a product of Real Sociedad’s famed academy system, has long been on Mikel Arteta’s radar. The Arsenal boss, who shares Basque roots with the midfielder, is believed to have been pivotal in persuading Zubimendi to make the switch to North London.
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The No. 36 shirt, currently assigned to young goalkeeper Tommy Setford holds personal significance for Zubimendi, as it was the number he wore during his early breakthrough at Sociedad. While other numbers such as No. 3 or No. 5 which he has worn at club and international level respectively, could also become available depending on summer departures, sources suggest Zubimendi is leaning toward reclaiming the No. 36.
🚨Martin Zubimendi will wear the number 36 for Arsenal next season. pic.twitter.com/5DHXebzKwB
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) June 22, 2025
His arrival is set to strengthen a midfield in transition, following the departure of Jorginho to Flamengo and ongoing uncertainty over Thomas Partey’s future, with the Ghanaian’s contract set to expire in June 2025. Arsenal see Zubimendi as a long-term anchor in midfield, capable of dictating tempo, shielding the backline, and allowing Declan Rice greater freedom in advanced positions.
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Zubimendi reportedly turned down offers from Liverpool, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Bayern Munich in recent years. His decision to join Arsenal is said to be influenced by Arteta’s project and the chance to reunite with former Sociedad teammates Martin Ødegaard and Mikel Merino.
Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville recently backed the move, commenting: “They still haven’t got a deep midfielder who can take the ball on the back foot. Zubimendi fits the bill.”
Arsenal’s newly appointed sporting director Andrea Berta has played a crucial role in finalising the deal, which has been in the pipeline since January. With the Gunners also pursuing a marquee striker with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres among the names linked, Zubimendi’s signing marks a major step in Arsenal’s summer rebuild as they aim to finally break their Premier League title drought after three consecutive runners-up finishes.
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