Martin Zubimendi’s move to Arsenal this summer could result in a court case in Spain. That’s if Real Sociedad continue to ignore demands from Antiguoko, an Athletic Club affiliate.
[El Correo provide the details today,](https://www.elcorreo.com/athletic/antiguoko-convenido-athletic-reclama-real-millon-euros-20251031152724-nt.html#edtn=bizkaia&vca=fixed-btn&vso=rrss&vmc=tw&vli=athletic) explaining that Antiguoko are demanding €10m from Zubimendi’s move to Arsenal this summer. The Gunners paid €70m to sign him from Real Sociedad.
The Arsenal midfielder was trained at Antiguoko from 2006 to 2011 before joining La Real. As part of that transfer, the two club signed an agreement that Antiguoko would get 5% of any fee provided that 5% didn’t amount to more than €1m.
As the fee would have been €3.5m, they are now demanding the €1m they believe they are owed. A report in England stated that a lawsuit has been filed already
El Correo say differently. Instead, their information is that Antiguoko have contacted Real Sociedad to demand the €1m fee be paid. This was done through unofficial channels, such as lawyers.
Real Sociedad have not responded. Therefore, Antiguoko’s next step will be to make a formal demand. That will lead to a mediation between the two clubs. If no agreement is reached, a lawsuit will then follow.
Sociedad are reluctant to pay the fee because Antiguoko are affiliated with Athletic Club. They had been affiliated with Sociedad before changing in 2020. Sources have insisted this stance has ‘no legal validity’.
There is also precedent working against Sociedad. Other clubs have received fees for players despite affiliations in the past. Indeed, they have also paid before without raising any objections. Zubimendi’s move to Arsenal appears to be currently getting different treatment and could result in a lawsuit if things don’t change.