There has been a huge twist in Arsenal and Real Madrid's battle for Real Sociedad and Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi as the summer transfer window heats up
09:12, 10 Jun 2025Updated 09:14, 10 Jun 2025
Martin Zubimendi
Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi deal 'done and signed'(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal’s transfer window is slowly coming about after their rivals have been busy in the transfer window already.
The Gunners are set for a crucial summer to finally bridge the gap between Mikel Arteta’s side and success, and it finally appears as though Arsenal have won the race to land their first signing of the summer after months of speculation.
Arsenal are reportedly closing in on Chelsea flop Kepa Arrizabalaga in a £5million deal that would see the world’s most expensive goalkeeper challenge David Raya for the No.1 position at the Emirates.
And now, they have reportedly held off Real Madrid to land Real Sociedad and Spain international Martin Zubimendi - the Euro 2024 winner who last summer turned down Premier League rivals Liverpool. Here, Daily Star Sport looks at the latest Arsenal transfer news
Zubimendi deal
Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad looks on during the LaLiga match between Real Sociedad and Athletic Club at Reale Arena
Zubimendi is set to leave Real Sociedad(Image: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce, Getty Images)
Zubimendi has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal since the January transfer window after the 26-year-old turned down a move to Liverpool last summer.
Article continues below
And according to The Athletic, Arsenal now regard Zubimendi’s move as ‘done and signed’. The midfielder is expected to have his move completed in time to report to the start of pre-season with the Gunners.
Real Madrid U-turn
Arsenal have been left sweating in recent days as Real Madrid were reportedly ready to hijack their deal for Zubimendi.
Following Xabi Alonso’s appointment as manager, there were fears in North London that Zubimendi may opt to link up with his former Real Sociedad B boss at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, it’s said that Los Blancos never actively pursued Zubimendi’s situation. And Arsenal appear to have got their man.
Lookman wish
Ademola Lookman playing for Atalanta vs Roma
Ademola Lookman has 20 goals this season(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal will be in the market for a No.9 this summer, with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko hotly linked, but the Gunners may also look to sign a winger to bolster Arteta’s ranks.
And Gunners legend Ian Wright has urged the club to sign Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman. The 27-year-old stated he has “unfinished business” in the Premier League after mixed spells at Everton, Fulham and Leicester.
Speaking on Wrighty’s House podcast, he said: “I’m going to go with Ademola Lookman winning the African Player of the Year in respects of that man’s journey.
Article continues below
“I remember him from Charlton, it didn’t work out [the] £10million [move] to Everton, then moving all over the place, the journey from loan to this.
"Then I think that’s one of the most devastating performances I’ve seen in any final with that hat-trick he scored.
"I hope we can buy him, Arsenal. I would love someone like him to come back to the Premier League and say, ‘Listen, I have unfinished business here so I am going to help Arsenal win the league'."