- 17 minutes ago
EXCLUSIVE: Zubimendi agrees Arsenal contract with huge wage increase
Steve Kay
- Updated: 16 Jan 2025 06:28 CST
- 3 min read
Exclusive
Arsenal have agreed personal terms with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, though FootballTransfers understands there is still a slight sticking point that could yet block a deal for the Spain international.
Sources have indicated that Zubimendi has reached a 100% agreement with the Gunners over his wages, which will see the 25-year-old earn double his current salary with the LaLiga side.
Mikel Arteta’s side are therefore prepared to pay him around €80,000 (£75,000) per week in order to land the talented midfield orchestrator.
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Current ETV
Martín Zubimendi
DM, M (C)
Real Sociedad
Martín Zubimendi
DM, M (C)
Real Sociedad
ETV Range
€22M - €36.7M
Leaving home a wrench for Zubimendi
FootballTransfers has been informed that leaving his boyhood club and San Sebastian in the Basque region is a major emotional decision for Zubimendi, who proved this in the summer as he turned down approaches from Liverpool and Arsenal following Euro 2024.
He is an only child and very attached to his parents, and this has been a major reason why he has not departed Spain earlier in his career. But that is about to change.
Sources have indicated that the final discussions that are taking place over the deal are about how to allow Zubimendi to settle best in London. Arsenal have already employed Mikel Merino, his former Real Sociedad midfield colleague, to speak to his friend and assure him that he’s making the right move.
There is no problem between the clubs, with Arsenal prepared to pay Zubimendi’s €60 million release clause. This will ensure that they beat Bayern Munich to the Spaniard, with the Bundesliga side rumoured to be targeting a late hijack attempt for the player.
A transfer agreement in January is not out of the question, FootballTransfers can reveal, but the likelihood is that Zubimendi will become an Arsenal player in the summer, with almost everything in place to complete a major coup for the Gunners.
