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David Tully Jul 24th 2026
Arsenal transfer target Jon Martin has signed a contract extension with Real Sociedad, keeping him with the La Liga side until the summer of 2032.
The 20-year-old had been heavily linked with a switch to the Emirates, and Mundo Deportivo claim that there was a “fight” ensuing between the Gunners and Real Madrid for the player’s signature.
However, Martin has committed his future to Real Sociedad – putting pen to paper on a six-year deal, which reportedly includes a €60m (£51m) release clause.
It is believed that he wasn’t tempted by offers to leave San Sebastian, having established himself as a regular starter over the past twelve months.
Why were Arsenal interested in the defender?
Mikel Arteta’s side are looking to strengthen their options in the centre of defence as they seek a replacement for William Saliba.
The club have confirmed that the France international does not require surgery on a back injury, but he will be sidelined for an “extended period”.
It is likely that Saliba will be out for around four months, so an extra body needs to be brought in to make up the numbers in his absence.
Have alternatives to Martin been considered?
Sporting director Andrea Berta has shortlisted five other centre-backs, and you can read more here as we rank them based on their likelihood of moving to the Premier League champions.
Ezri Konsa is one of those under consideration, but Aston Villa’s valuation of the England international is said to be double what Arsenal think he is worth.
There is still a chance that the Gunners will decide against bringing in a new defender. If Ben White stays, there would be adequate cover even with Saliba unavailable.
White was brought to the club as a centre-half, and he could compete with Cristhian Mosquera for starts alongside Gabriel.
David Tully
David Tully
David has worked as a football reporter for the last fifteen years. Having started as an intern at Snack Media, he then went on to become a freelancer, working on various different sites. At the start of 2023, he took up his current role as content writer for the Football News Network.