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The Gunners have secured a verbal agreement for a £50.8m midfield signing, marking their first major move of the summer window.
Arsenal are set to make Martin Zubimendi their first signing of the summer after reaching a verbal agreement with the Real Sociedad midfielder over a long-term contract.
The Gunners will now proceed to activate the 26-year-old's €60 million (£50.8m) release clause, paving the way for the Spaniard’s long-awaited move to the Premier League.
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According to renowned transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have secured Zubimendi’s commitment to a deal running four or five years.
“Here we go,” Romano declared in his latest update, confirming the Gunners' successful pursuit of the Euro 2024-winning midfielder.
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Zubimendi’s decision brings an end to over a year of speculation. The deep-lying playmaker turned down Liverpool’s approach last summer to remain in San Sebastian, but with Mikel Arteta’s vision and Champions League football on offer, Arsenal have finally won the race.
“Martin has always been a player we admired — calm in possession, tactically intelligent and a natural leader. We're excited about what he brings to our midfield,” a senior Arsenal source told local press on Saturday.
Tactical Asset for Arteta's Midfield Plans
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Zubimendi joins at a pivotal time for the North London club. With veteran midfielder Jorginho poised to join Flamengo when his contract expires in June and uncertainty surrounding Thomas Partey’s future, Arsenal have moved decisively to strengthen the spine of their squad.
The Spaniard, who has made over 200 appearances for Real Sociedad since joining the club in 2011, is expected to fill the No. 6 role and allow Declan Rice more license to roam. Known for his composure, press resistance and ability to dictate tempo, Zubimendi has also developed into one of La Liga’s most consistent defensive midfielders.
His statistical record backs that up. Over the past year, he ranks in the top 10% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for take-on completion (65.6%) and top 6% for shots blocked per match, illustrating both his composure on the ball and defensive tenacity.
“We’re getting a very modern midfielder,” said former Spain international Xabi Alonso.
“He’s not just about shielding the defence; he reads the game beautifully and transitions the ball quickly and cleanly.”
Gunners Look to Build Early Momentum
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The signing of Zubimendi represents a significant coup for Arsenal, especially after Real Madrid reportedly tried to hijack the deal in recent weeks.
But the midfielder remained firm in his desire to work under compatriot Arteta, who is believed to have played a key role in convincing him of the project at the Emirates.
With Zubimendi secured, attention now turns to further reinforcements. A striker, left-winger and backup goalkeeper are also on the club’s summer wishlist as Arsenal look to challenge Manchester City and Liverpool more aggressively in 2025-26.
Zubimendi's arrival, however, sends a clear message.
“This is a statement from Arsenal,” said Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher as per SportsMole.
“They’re not waiting around — they’re going after players who can immediately elevate their squad.”
The Gunners fans' Saturday morning could not have started better. Their club has landed a top target, beat off elite competition, and taken the first major step toward building a title-contending team.
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