Martin Zubimendi has been on Arsenal's radar for some time. (Alex Pantling/UEFA)
After years of pursuit, Arsenal are finally prepared to pull the trigger on the release clause of highly-rated Real Sociedad and Spain midfielder Martín Zubimendi, according to Spanish outlet MARCA.
Zubimendi, widely regarded as one of European football’s most intelligent and composed holding midfielders, has been on the Gunners’ radar for some time. Arsenal made an attempt to sign him back in the summer of 2023 but came up short in their efforts.
Now, with Thomas Partey’s contract set to expire this summer — and no talks currently underway regarding an extension for the Ghanaian — MARCA reports that Arsenal are ready to activate Zubimendi’s £51.5 million release clause to secure his services.
The Spanish publication claims a move to the Emirates is now “considered a done deal,” with only Real Madrid — who have also shown interest in the 26-year-old in recent years — standing in Arsenal’s way of completing the signing.
With Real Madrid reportedly set to land Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and hesitant to splash out on any further major signings this summer, that scenario now seems unlikely — clearing the path for Arsenal to finally secure Zubimendi’s signing.
What Can Zubimendi Bring to Arsenal?
Arsenal will no doubt be wary that, despite MARCA’s report suggesting Martín Zubimendi is Emirates-bound, the deal isn’t done just yet.
The Spain international, who played a key role in La Roja’s Euro 2024 triumph, was heavily linked with Liverpool last summer and was even said to have agreed to the move – only to pull out at the last minute and stay at Real Sociedad.
If history doesn’t repeat itself, and Zubimendi does make the switch to North London, Arsenal will be landing a technically gifted, composed, and intelligent midfielder – one who’d be a clear upgrade on Partey, whose impact in recent seasons has been significant, but whose best years are likely behind him.
Often compared to Sergio Busquets, Zubimendi is known for breaking up play, controlling tempo from deep, and launching attacks with precision – qualities Arsenal have been missing at times, with Declan Rice and Mikel Merino, Zubimendi’s former teammate, recently being pushed into more advanced roles.
Another familiar face is Kieran Tierney, who spent last season on loan at Sociedad and saw Zubimendi’s quality up close.
“You have world-class players like [Martín] Zubimendi, [Mikel] Merino, Brais [Méndez],” Tierney told The Guardian. “It’s not that people don’t think they’re good; it’s just that if you’re only watching the Premier League every week, it’s hard to know. They’re world class, and for so many to come from the academy is incredible.”
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