Arsenal closing in on Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi

Arsenal are reportedly closing in the signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.

The midfielder was widely linked with a move to Liverpool last summer as well as a host of other top European clubs but opted to stay loyal to his boyhood club.

While there is still interest from the likes of Liverpool and Real Madrid, talkSPORT have revealed that talks are progressing smoothly between Arsenal and Zubimendi, with the Spain international likely to be the Gunners’ first summer signing.

In October 2022, Zubimendi signed a contract with the Basque side that would keep him at Anoeta until 2027, though it came with a £52m release clause that Arsenal look set to meet.

Although Liverpool looked close to completing the move for Zubimendi last summer before a late change of heart, it isn’t believed Arsenal will experience a similar U-turn.

Zubimendi had a breakthrough season last term, earning a regular place in the Spain squad, where he came off the bench at half-time of the Euro 2024 final with England.

In total, Zubimendi made four appearances at the Euros, earning a starting berth against Albania, though he has played a more prominent role since the injury to Rodri, starting five games for La Roja since last summer’s tournament, scoring his first international goal in Spain’s 1-0 win over Denmark in the UEFA Nations League.

Capology reports the 26-year-old earns around £50,000 a week with his current club, though he can expect his wages to at least double should he move to the Premier League.

At the beginning of last season, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta experimented with one holding midfielder playing behind two more advanced playmakers, but later returned to a more conventional 4-2-3-1 formation, with Declan Rice and Thomas Partey operating at the midfield pivot and Rice given licence to move into advanced areas.

Partey’s contract expires at the end of the season and the club aren’t expected to offer a renewal, meaning a new defensive midfielder is a must.

While Zubimendi would be expected to operate deeper in midfield, he’s a less combative holding midfielder than Partey and would shoulder more of the playmaking responsibilities.

Liam Williams

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