Arsenal have won the race to sign Martin Zubimendi. They have beaten late pressure from Real Madrid to secure a major midfield reinforcement ahead of the 2025/26 season. The Gunners have held a long-standing interest in the Real Sociedad star. Now, they have successfully convinced the Spaniard to join, with only formalities left before the move is announced.
Martin Zubimendi Arsenal transfer talks began early this year, with reports suggesting a deal was close as early as January. However, those links were repeatedly challenged by updates from Spain, where Real Madrid continued to believe they had a chance of hijacking the move. Despite multiple attempts to change the player’s mind, Arsenal remained confident—and it now appears their patience has paid off.
🚨 Arsenal regard Martin Zubimendi move from Real Sociedad as done & signed. 26yo Spain midfielder expected to report at start of pre-season with #AFC. Real Madrid sources say #RMFC never actively pursued situation. That + more transfer info @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/RNAmQJuvU9
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 10, 2025
Arsenal Hold Firm Despite Real Madrid Pressure
The final weeks of negotiations were tense. Zubimendi had reportedly agreed to join Arsenal, but Real Madrid hoped to exploit his admiration for incoming boss Xabi Alonso—his childhood idol—to change the narrative. Reports last week suggested the 26-year-old was willing to listen to Madrid’s offer and had stalled on confirming his decision with the North London club.
However, Arsenal never wavered in their belief. Sources close to the club indicated they were always confident of landing Zubimendi, even as Real Madrid hovered in background. Their offer, said to be structured above his €60m release clause to allow for instalments, ultimately proved decisive.
Zubimendi is now expected to join Mikel Arteta’s side as a long-term successor to Thomas Partey. His technical quality, positional awareness and defensive IQ are seen as a perfect fit for Arsenal’s evolving midfield.
https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1935661286114890224
Real Madrid Shift Focus After Zubimendi Setback
With the Martin Zubimendi Arsenal move now viewed as inevitable, Real Madrid have moved on to alternative targets. Club sources have reportedly accepted that it is “impossible” to hijack the transfer, and attention has now turned to midfield reinforcements elsewhere.
Much of their summer strategy could hinge on performances at the FIFA Club World Cup. Xabi Alonso will get his first hands-on look at Madrid’s stacked midfield. Jude Bellingham, Fede Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurelien Tchouameni already provide world-class options, and there’s growing belief that further additions may not be necessary.
Still, Los Blancos continue to monitor **Manchester City**’s Rodri as a possible future target. The Spaniard’s recovery from injury and reaction to squad competition will be key in Madrid’s evaluation. Angelo Stiller is also being tracked, though no official approach has been made for the Stuttgart midfielder.
Arsenal’s Midfield Takes Shape
Securing Zubimendi is a key phase in Arsenal’s squad-building plan. For a long time, Arteta has given top priority to a composed holding midfielder capable of anchoring play and guarding the back line. Although Declan Rice has excelled in this capacity, Zubimendi’s arrival will likely enable the England international to move ahead more often.
The Spaniard’s tactical discipline and La Liga experience are anticipated to immediately affect the Premier League. Arsenal supporters might anticipate a more balanced midfield with Rice, Zubimendi, and Martin Ødegaard making up a dynamic midfield trio.
Adding Zubimendi could turn out to be the glue holding the tactical jigsaw together as Kai Havertz excels further up the field and the club is still looking for a new striker and winger.
With the Martin Zubimendi Arsenal deal seemingly finalized, Real Madrid’s efforts to intervene are now closed. For Mikel Arteta, it’s yet another triumph in the transfer market—and a sign of Arsenal’s growing prominence in Europe. The Gunners can now concentrate on attacking reinforcements as they get ready for another title challenge as midfield depth has been guaranteed.
Do you believe Zubimendi is the last piece in Arsenal’s midfield jigsaw? Tell us your ideas in the comments.
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