Martin Zubimendi is still set to join Arsenal this summer despite his recent quotes playing down the move whilst on international duty.
MADRID, SPAIN: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad controls the ball during the Copa del Rey semifinal match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 01, 2025. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
For a while now, Martin Zubimendi’s summer move to Arsenal has felt like something of a foregone conclusion, but some fans grew concerned when some quotes from the player emerged on Tuesday.
Zubimendi refused to confirm any deal with Arsenal, and he talked up Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso, leading to fears that he could still join the Madrid club instead.
“Of course there are options, but it’s true that it seems like it’s going to be a different, long summer, and I don’t know how it will end,” Zubimendi said.
“I don’t think thinking about that (a transfer) right now is my priority. I’m here with the national team, which I think is already quite demanding, and if I have to say something, then I will.
“I have always said that [Xabi Alonso] was my idol and that for me it was lucky that he was able to coach me in the reserve team in a very important year.
“[But] I don’t like to talk about those hypotheses, I prefer to talk about the present, because I also think that it would be disrespectful to answer from the national team training camp and before facing such an important competition.”
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Samu Costa of RCD Mallorca during the LaLiga match between Real Sociedad and RCD Mallorca at Reale Arena on April 12, 2025. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
The reality seems to be that Zubimendi was just being diplomatic. Various reports have revealed that Real Sociedad want to delay a transfer until July for financial reasons, including the deal in next year’s accounts. So for the time being, everyone is officially denying that a deal is done.
Ryan Taylor of the Mirror was the latest to confirm those claims, writing that the payment structure of a deal has already been negotiated and agreed, and Sociedad would just prefer the move to be ratified in July for financial reasons.
Kike Marin writes that the Arsenal signing is finalised, and whilst Zubimendi doesn’t want to lie to the media, he can’t tell the truth either. He’s not yet able to publicly confirm the transfer, but his current club are planning for next season without him.
MADRID, SPAIN - MARCH 16: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad celebrates after scoring his team's opening goal during the LaLiga match between Rayo Vallecano and Real Sociedad at Estadio de Vallecas on March 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images
As a reminder, Sami Mokbel reported for the BBC last week that all relevant documents in relation to Zubimendi’s transfer to Arsenal have already been signed. Mokbel wrote that the transfer is now just subject to a successful medical.
But when your current club want to delay the announcement of the transfer and you’re asked about the move before undergoing your medical, you don’t have much choice other than to be a bit vague and refuse to confirm anything.
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