Zubimendi HIJACK? Arsenal update as Real Madrid, Liverpool stance revealed

Tom Weber

Updated: 19 Feb 2025 16:09 GMT
4 min read

There is no risk of Liverpool or Real Madrid hijacking Arsenal's deal to sign Martin Zubimendi as things stand, according to a report.

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The Gunners are closing in on their first signing of the summer transfer window with a deal to bring in long-time target Zubimendi taking shape in recent weeks.

It has been a complicated undertaking as it has required a fair bit of convincing to get the Spain international to warm to the idea of potentially leaving his boyhood club Real Sociedad.

Zubimendi has a closer attachment to his team than most modern footballers and he rejected Liverpool last summer despite the fact that even Real Sociedad had seemingly accepted that he would likely leave.

Arsenal have been courting the midfielder for years and have made a breakthrough over the past two months. FootballTransfers has exclusively revealed that personal terms with the 26-year-old have been pretty much agreed but that some final details still need to be ironed out before the deal can be considered fully done.

No hijack risk for Arsenal

Ben Jacobs has now confirmed our reporting and also set the record straight on Zubimendi's links with other clubs. It has been claimed that Liverpool retain an interest following their failed attempt in the summer, but the journalist reports that they have not reignited their pursuit.

Similarly, Real Madrid are not expected to get involved in the matter despite their historic interest in Zubimendi. They are prioritising defensive reinforcements and there are also doubts about the player's willingness to move to a different club in Spain.

Arsenal are not under threat of a potential hijack, although Zubimendi can technically still engage in talks with other suitors if Real Sociedad were to grant permission.

Potentially the biggest remaining hurdle for the Gunners is his €60 million release clause. It is still unclear whether Arsenal will trigger his clause or try to negotiate a different formula that would potentially see them pay slightly more but with more favourable payment terms.

If they were to trigger his release clause, they would have to pay the entire fee in one lump sum in addition to taxes influenced by inflation. A different structure would allow them to pay in instalments, but it would also require them to negotiate with Real Sociedad, who are still hopeful that their hometown hero will stay.

Either way, Arsenal are cautiously optimistic that Zubimendi will be playing his football in North London next season.