Arsenal are on the verge of landing Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi in the summer of 2025, with the move now labelled as ‘almost definite’ by insiders.
The 26-year-old Spanish international, a standout in La Liga and a regular for Spain, has long been tipped for a big transfer, thanks to his 60 million euro release clause, equivalent to 50 million pounds.
However, questions linger over whether the Gunners played a cunning role in scuppering Liverpool’s bid for the midfielder last year.
Last summer, Liverpool thought they had Zubimendi in the bag. The Reds triggered his clause and offered a lucrative deal that would have tripled his wages. But at the eleventh hour, Zubimendi backed out, opting to stay with his boyhood club.
Now, Arsenal have surged ahead, reportedly sealing a deal in January for a 2025 switch. The Daily Mail called it ‘practically done’ when outlining Mikel Arteta’s transfer blueprint.
Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has fuelled the excitement, while dropping a bombshell about the Liverpool saga. “I’d say the Zubimendi one is almost definitely going to happen for Arsenal,” Sheth said on the Sky Sports Transfer Talk Podcast.
“Looking back to last summer, Liverpool were all set to sign him, and then he had a late change of heart. It’s not confirmed, but with him likely joining Arsenal now, you wonder, did Arsenal step in late?”
Sheth speculated further: “Maybe Arsenal told him, ‘We can’t get you now, but we desperately want you.’ Mikel Arteta knows him well. Perhaps Zubimendi thought, ‘I’ll wait for Arsenal.'” The twist has left fans buzzing about the Gunners’ transfer nous.
Real Madrid have also been linked with Zubimendi recently, but Spanish journalist Marco Ruiz believes Arsenal hold the edge. “Real Madrid are considering him for their midfield, which needs reinforcement,” Ruiz told AS.
“But Arsenal are well advanced in the deal and ready to pay the 60 million euro clause. He’s expected to link up with Mikel Merino there.” Ruiz added that Real Sociedad blocked a Liverpool move last year after losing Merino and Robin Le Normand, but the affordable clause keeps Zubimendi in play.
Zubimendi himself has stayed coy about the drama. Reflecting on his Liverpool U-turn, he told El Diario Vasco: “It caught me by surprise on vacation. I weighed the pros and cons and decided staying was best. I don’t buy into ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ chances, if you’re good, opportunities come. I thought about my growth and the club’s project. It wasn’t a tough call.”
For Arsenal, the timing couldn’t be better. With Jorginho and Thomas Partey’s futures uncertain, Zubimendi could slot straight into the first team, something less assured at Liverpool or Real Madrid. The 17-cap Spaniard’s composure and vision make him a perfect fit for Arteta’s system.
The Gunners are also in the hunt for Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, who reportedly rejected a new contract, and Ajax’s teenage star Jorrel Hato, per transfer expert Rudy Galetti.
With Brentford and Bournemouth forwards on their radar too, Arsenal are gearing up for a blockbuster summer. Zubimendi, though, looks like the prize ready to spark their midfield revolution.
