Martin Zubimendi is on the brink of joining Arsenal, with a medical scheduled as he nears a switch to the Gunners.
The Real Sociedad midfielder spurned the opportunity to join Liverpool last summer, opting to stay with his boyhood club. However all necessary paperwork for the 26-year-old's move to Mikel Arteta's squad has been finalized, with the transfer "entering its final stages".
The Euro 2024 champion has a reported $69 million (£51 million) release clause and it's understood that the required payment arrangements between Sociedad and Arsenal have already been agreed upon. He's considered one of the world's top defensive midfielders and was poised for a move to Anfield before a last-minute change of heart.
Once his medical is completed, the deal is expected to move swiftly forward, marking an impressive acquisition for Arsenal. He will be the first signing of the summer for the North London side, who are looking to improve on their third consecutive second-place finish in the Premier League and another season without silverware.
Back in October, Spanish manager Luis de la Fuente praised Zubimendi as "the second-best player in the world". He said: "I've publicly stated that, for me, Martin is the second-best player in the world [behind Rodri].
"We are incredibly lucky to have these two - who I consider the best players in the world. But we also have other fantastic players who've been here and are with us now - another fantastic player."
VALENCIA, SPAIN - MARCH 23: Martin Zubimendi of Spain with the ball during the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg One match between Spain and Netherlands at Mestalla Stadium on March 23, 2025 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Cristian Trujillo/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Martin Zubimendi is set to sign for the Gunners (Image: Quality Sport Images, Getty Images)
Zubimendi, reflecting on why he turned down Liverpool, cited his deep connection with his roots as the driving force behind his decision to remain in Spain, stating he has no regrets about his choice.
"It is 'true' that there was a lot of noise," Zubimendi revealed last September. He elaborated: "I went through uncomfortable moments. The best thing for me was to stay here, and I was happy and at peace.
"Of course, I don't regret it. I can't think that after four or five games at the start of the season. I made my decision from within. I thought it was the best thing to do."
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Discussing the transfer buzz with El Diario Vasco in December, he said: "I went on vacation, and it caught me by surprise. It wasn't something I had planned. I reacted when the situation arose.
"It was an uncomfortable time for me but I weighed the pros and cons and concluded that the best option was to stay. I don't believe in 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunities.
"If you're good and want to achieve something, it will come to you. There's no need to rush. I looked at my personal progression, who I am, and the club's project."
Arsenal, meanwhile, is forging ahead with their recruitment plans, eyeing up new talent such as Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres for the centre-forward position.
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - AUGUST 18: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the La Liga match between Real Sociedad de Futbol and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Reale Arena on August 18, 2024 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN - AUGUST 18: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad celebrates after scoring his team's first goal during the La Liga match between Real Sociedad de Futbol and Rayo Vallecano de Madrid at Reale Arena on August 18, 2024 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images) (Image: Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)