BARCELONA, SPAIN - JANUARY 25: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad reacts during the Copa Del Rey Quarter Final match between FC Barcelona and Real Sociedad at Spotify Camp Nou on January 25, 2023 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
Arsenal are on the verge of completing the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with the Spain international now set to undergo a medical ahead of his long-anticipated move to the Emirates Stadium. According to well-placed sources confirmed by BBC Sport, all the necessary documents have been signed, and the transfer is in its final stages.
The Gunners have tracked Zubimendi for several transfer windows, with Mikel Arteta known to be a long-time admirer of the 26-year-old. After months of speculation and discreet negotiations, Arsenal have finally landed their man — one who is expected to significantly strengthen their midfield depth ahead of the 2025/26 season.
Zubimendi has built a strong reputation in La Liga as one of the most tactically astute and positionally disciplined defensive midfielders in European football. His ability to read the game, recycle possession, and maintain structure in high-intensity matches has made him a standout performer at Real Sociedad, and it’s those very qualities that have convinced Arsenal to invest in him.
The north London club has been eager to bolster its options in midfield following the departure of Jorginho and the ongoing need to support key figures like Declan Rice and Thomas Partey, the latter of whom has struggled with recurring injuries. Zubimendi’s arrival will bring balance and competition to Arteta’s squad, while also offering tactical flexibility in multiple systems.
The deal, believed to be worth around £50 million, is considered a major coup for Arsenal given the level of interest Zubimendi has attracted across Europe. Clubs including Bayern Munich and Barcelona were previously linked with the midfielder, but Arsenal’s persistence and project ultimately swayed the player’s decision.
Sources close to the situation say Zubimendi was impressed by the club’s vision, Arteta’s personal involvement in the talks, and the opportunity to play in the Premier League. Arsenal’s recent progress — including back-to-back top-two finishes and deep runs in the Champions League — has enhanced their appeal to elite talent.
The player is expected to complete his medical in the coming days, after which Arsenal will formally unveil him as their first major signing of the summer transfer window. Fans are eagerly awaiting the announcement, with many seeing Zubimendi as the missing piece in a midfield that already boasts steel, creativity, and now added composure.
Zubimendi will link up with his new teammates during pre-season, and his arrival is likely to coincide with further movement in and out of the Emirates as Arsenal look to build a squad capable of going one better in the Premier League and Europe.
With the deal now entering its final phase, excitement is building in the Arsenal camp. Martin Zubimendi’s addition represents a significant statement of intent — one that signals Arsenal’s ambition to return to the summit of English and European football.
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