Arsenal are reportedly on the verge of securing the signature of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The Spain international famously turned down the chance to join Liverpool last summer in order to continue with Real Sociedad, and he made 48 appearances for the Basque side during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring two goals and registering two assists in the process.
La Real had an underwhelming season, finishing down in 11th spot in the La Liga table, meaning that there will be no European football at Anoeta Stadium during the 2025-26 season.
Arsenal have been actively working on a deal for the 26-year-old since the start of the year, but there had recently been claims that Real Madrid were looking to hijack the North London club's move.
According to Sky Sports News, a breakthrough has now been reached, with Mikel Arteta's finalising a deal for the midfielder.
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Arsenal 'on verge' of completing £51m deal for Zubimendi
The report claims that Arsenal have met the £51m release clause in Zubimendi's Real Sociedad contract, and he is now set to undergo a medical with the Gunners before a deal goes through.
Bringing in a central midfielder is viewed as a priority for Arsenal this summer, and Zubimendi has been their number one target, so his arrival would be a huge boost for the club ahead of the 2025-26 campaign.
Zubimendi made his first-team debut for the Basque outfit in 2019, and he has featured on 236 occasions for his current side in all competitions, scoring 10 goals and registering nine assists in the process.
The midfielder is also a 17-time Spain international, helping his national side to triumph at Euro 2024.
Jorginho's exit from Arsenal has already been confirmed, and the 33-year-old will officially leave the Emirates Stadium when is contract expires at the end of June.
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When could Zubimendi make his Arsenal debut?
Arsenal's preparations for the 2025-26 campaign are due to begin on July 23 against AC Milan, before also tackling Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur as part of their tour of Asia.
Zubimendi's debut for the Gunners could come against Milan on July 23, and he is expected to begin pre-season training with his new club in the early stages of July.
The midfielder is also in the Spain squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League semi-final against France, with La Roja due to tackle Didier Deschamps's side on June 5.
Matt Law
