Arsenal Nears Deal for Real Sociedad Midfielder Martin Zubimendi

London, England – Arsenal Football Club is set to finalize a transfer deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with a medical appointment scheduled in the coming days.

Sources close to the situation confirmed to BBC Sport that Arsenal and Sociedad have completed all necessary paperwork for the transfer, which is expected to be worth £51 million. This marks a significant acquisition for Arsenal as they prepare for the upcoming season.

The 26-year-old Zubimendi, who has become one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders, is anticipated to enhance Arsenal’s midfield depth. He has been a standout player for Sociedad, making 236 appearances and scoring ten goals since his debut.

Zubimendi’s addition comes at a time when Arsenal seeks to bolster their squad after a challenging previous season, where they finished second in the Premier League. Manager Mikel Arteta has expressed interest in adding a new centre-forward alongside Zubimendi.

In the past, Zubimendi has been linked with top clubs in Spain, including Barcelona and Real Madrid, due to his impressive performances, particularly in Euro 2024. Spanish football expert Guillem Balague stated that Zubimendi is one of the best holding midfielders globally, second only to Manchester City’s Rodri.

Arsenal’s need for midfield reinforcements is urgent, especially with the departure of Jorginho and the ongoing contract negotiations with key players like Thomas Partey and Bukayo Saka. The acquisition of Zubimendi is seen as a proactive step to mitigate reliance on Partey, who has been vital for the team’s midfield.

Once Zubimendi completes his medical, Arsenal is expected to announce the signing formally. The club also aims to finalize additional signings during the transfer window to improve their performance across all competitions, including the Champions League.