Arsenal deal to sign Martin Zubimendi 'virtually completed'

Tom Weber

Updated: 14 Jan 2025 13:03 GMT
3 min read

Martin Zubimendi, Real Sociedad, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Arsenal are finally set to sign long-time target Martin Zubimendi, according to a sensational report from the Daily Mail.

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Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is known to be a huge admirer of the Real Sociedad midfielder and previously pursued him unsuccessfully. In recent seasons, Zubimendi has established himself as one of LaLiga's most proficient defensive midfielders.

The Euro 2024 winner was courted by Arsenal and Liverpool in the summer and, at one point, it appeared as though he would sign for the latter, who were confident of agreeing a deal.

However, in a surprising twist, Zubimendi decided to snub the Reds and remained with his boyhood club Real Sociedad. Convincing him to leave his hometown has always been the biggest challenge suitors have faced.

The interest from Arsenal, Liverpool and also Real Madrid did not recede despite his previous unwillingness to move and it seems that persistence has now paid off for one of these clubs.

Zubimendi set to sign for Arsenal

According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are on the verge of completing a deal for Zubimendi that will see him link up with Arteta's side in the summer.

It is claimed that sources close to the negotiation believe that a deal is 'virtually completed.' Naturally, Arsenal want the 25-year-old to join immediately, but Real Sociedad are insisting that he remains with them until the end of the season.

Jorginho and Thomas Partey are out of contract in the summer, which has increased Arsenal's desire to add a holding midfielder despite the arguably more pressing need for a new striker, winger and right-back.

Arsenal will formally trigger Zubimendi's €60 million release clause to bring him to the Emirates after a saga that has stretched for over 12 months.