Martin Zubimendi’s summer move from Real Sociedad to Arsenal looks all-but confirmed after Fabrizio Romano’s accouncement that a deal has been struck between the two parties – but why are Mikel Arteta’s side paying over the odds, above his release clause, to secure the first signing of their transfer window.
The Spaniard, 26 years of age, snubbed the chance to sign for title-winning Liverpool last summer – and it seems that he’s now set to join the north Londoners, who (for the third season on the bounce) finished second in the Premier League season.
Acting as a screen in front of Arsenal’s back four, Zubimendi – a 19-cap Spain international – will likely join the ever-reliable Declan Rice and skipper Martin Odegaard in the middle of the park as they look to end their long-standing trophy drought.
martin zubimendi arsenal Related
Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice and Thomas Partey's 24/25 Statistics Compared
As Martin Zubimendi's Arsenal move nears, we take a look at his 24/25 league statsitics compared to Gunners duo Declan Rice and Thomas Partey.
Why Arsenal Paid Over the Odds for Zubimendi
Gunners set to part ways with £55m for the midfielder
After rejecting Arne Slot at the turn of the year, the Real Sociedad engine room enforcer stayed at his boyhood club for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign – and that was the case despite interest from fellow La Liga outfit Real Madrid.
As one of the most sought-after midfielders in world football, much has been made of the future of Zubimendi and his move to the Emirates Stadium, per The Athletic, is regarded as being as good as ‘done and signed’. It’s now a matter of time.
The Athletic’s Los Blancos correspondent Mario Cortegana says sources at the club are keen admirers of the ground eater, though not enough to actively work on securing his signature.
Now, the report states that Arteta – widely regarded as one of the best managers in world football – and his entourage will cough up a fee in the region of €65 million (£55m), which is more than the release clause inserted in his La Real contract.
Why the Gunners, whose recruitment process is now spearheaded by Sporting Director Andrea Berta, are paying north of his release clause is so they are able to spread the payments across instalments, easing PSR concerns as a result.
Such tactics, which are employed by plenty of clubs in England and beyond, enable Arsenal to avoid paying his entire release clause in one lump sum, allowing them more wiggle room for other potential incomings before the end of the summer trading period.
MixCollage-05-Jun-2025-09-46-PM-2171 Related
Spain 5-4 France: What Arsenal Fans Are Saying About Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Merino
The Gunners faithful made their feelings clear.
Paying Zubimendi’s full release clause in one would have dampened Arsenal’s flexibility in the striker market. Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig has been earmarked as their priority – and CaughtOffside has reported that an agreement has been reached.
In 2024/25, only goalkeeper Alex Remiro played more Spanish top flight minutes than the midfielder – and his availability will be welcomed by those associated with Arsenal, who last won major silverware in the form of the 2019/20 FA Cup against Chelsea.