Arsenal have reached a verbal agreement with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, with the Premier League club now poised to trigger the midfielder’s €60 million (£51m) release clause when the summer transfer window opens.
Zubimendi, 26, has long been on Arsenal’s radar. Sami Mokbel, now of BBC Sport, initially reported the club’s interest in January.
While Real Madrid were also previously linked with a move, the Spanish international now appears set for a switch to north London, in what could become Mikel Arteta’s first window signing.
A product of Real Sociedad’s academy, Zubimendi has made 232 senior appearances for the club, earning praise for his positional intelligence, composure under pressure, and tactical awareness.
His arrival would bolster Arsenal’s midfield, especially with Jorginho expected to join Brazilian side Flamengo. Thomas Partey’s future at the club is still uncertain as he approaches the final year of his contract.
Zubimendi turned down interest from Liverpool last summer, choosing to remain in La Liga, but this time looks ready to embrace a new challenge in the Premier League.
The deal has been in motion for months, with former sporting director Edu and interim chief Jason Ayto initiating talks.
Incoming director Andrea Berta is now overseeing the final stages of the transfer.
Though not yet official, Arsenal remain confident the deal will be completed in the coming weeks.
With Zubimendi’s move nearing completion, the Gunners will shift focus to other key priorities in the transfer market, including signing a new forward and a backup goalkeeper and securing contract extensions for several first-team stars and emerging prospects.
Bukayo Saka is reportedly close to signing a new long-term deal, while Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba are also in line for renewed terms.
Arsenal are equally working to secure the futures of young talents Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, with Gabriel Martinelli’s contract also under review.
