Arsenal Nears Deal for Real Sociedad’s Zubimendi Amid Midfield Overhaul

LONDON, England — Arsenal is closing in on a deal to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi next summer, according to reports. The 25-year-old Spanish international has been a long-term target for the Gunners, with manager Mikel Arteta spearheading the pursuit.

Zubimendi, who has a €60 million (£51.7 million; $63.4 million) release clause, is seen as a key addition to Arsenal’s midfield as the club prepares for the potential departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho, whose contracts expire at the end of the season. The move comes after Liverpool‘s failed attempt to sign Zubimendi in 2024.

“Zubimendi has been a long-term target for Arsenal,” said James McNicholas, a football correspondent. “With Partey and Jorginho both out of contract, they have known for some time they would need to rejuvenate their midfield.”

The midfielder, a product of Real Sociedad’s academy, has made 210 appearances for his boyhood club since his debut in 2019. This season, he has featured in 22 matches across all competitions, scoring one goal. Zubimendi also played a pivotal role in Spain’s Euro 2024-winning campaign, earning 15 caps for his national team.

Arsenal’s interest in Zubimendi was reportedly reignited during negotiations for another player in August. The Gunners are now focused on securing his signature, despite the financial implications of paying his release clause upfront. “Landing Zubimendi would be a significant coup for Arsenal,” McNicholas added. “Especially as he was so coveted by their title rivals Liverpool.”

Zubimendi’s arrival could also impact Arsenal’s current midfield setup, particularly for Declan Rice, who has often played in a more advanced role than initially anticipated. “The signing could cement Rice’s position in a more advanced role,” McNicholas noted.

Real Sociedad, meanwhile, had hoped to retain their star midfielder after fending off interest from Liverpool last summer. Club director Roberto Olabe had previously expressed confidence in keeping Zubimendi, stating, “We have seen how he has behaved; I do not foresee any surprises in January.”

However, Arsenal’s advanced negotiations suggest that Zubimendi’s departure is now imminent. The Gunners are reportedly prioritizing the deal despite pressing needs in other areas, such as bolstering their attack due to injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.

Zubimendi’s technical prowess and ability to dictate play from deep have made him one of La Liga‘s most sought-after midfielders. “He is the cog between the defense and the midfield,” said Thom Harris, a football analyst. “His intuitive positioning and expansive passing make him indispensable for Real Sociedad.”

As Arsenal prepares to activate Zubimendi’s release clause, the move signals Arteta’s ambition to build a midfield capable of competing for top honors in the Premier League and beyond.