Arsenal agreed to a deal to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi after months of negotiations, but a surprising renewal left news about what would happen when it came to announcing his capture.
Set for Arsenal Medical with Real Sociedad deals Martin Zubimendi
Nearly 12 months after Liverpool refused to make progress, the 26-year-old will instead make the much-anticipated move into the Premier League alongside Arsenal.
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BBC’s Sami Mokbel first shared the news that Zubimendi will be receiving medical care at Arsenal before completing the £51 million switch to Emirates Stadium.
His response to his impending arrival was overwhelmingly positive, following many productive years as a key starter for La Liga’s boyhood club Sociedaddo.
Arsenal relocation expenditure under Arteta (via) Sky Sports)) | New Signature Money |
|---|---|
19/20-Winter | £0 |
20/21-Summer | £81.5m |
20/21 – Winter | £900k |
21/22 – Summer | £156.8m |
21/22 – Winter | £1.8 million |
22/23 – Summer | £121.5m |
22/23 – Winter | 59m |
23/24-Summer | £208 million £ |
23/24 – Winter | £0 |
24/25-Summer | £101.5m |
24/25 – Winter | £0 |
Zubimendi was the mainstay of former Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil, who helped lead them to the Champions League in 2023/2024, and played a role in supporting Spain’s victory last summer.
“Arsenal believes they’re getting one of the world’s best holding midfielders at Martin Zubimendi, but they’re not the only one,” said Sky Sports journalist Nick Wright.
“His elite qualification is clear as Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona are also coveted. Zubimendi won the European Championships just like Spain last year, with Boyhood Club Real Socied winning Silverwear at the Copa del Rey and playing a key role in the Championship League.
Former Man City Financial Advisor Stefan Borson also praised Zubimendi’s capture as acute in terms of cash flow, following the January report, which follows reports that they are already moving forward with summer deals (emails).
“That price is a big deal for Arsenal. The risk is low given the quality,” Bourson told Soccer Insider.
“I don’t think the PSR situation is why they sign him in the summer. I think it’s just a case where all involved work to move in the summer.”
When Arsenal can announce Martin Zubimendi’s deal amid potential delays
According to Spanish news outlet Diario Vasco, medical care for N5 Zubimendi should occur by Saturday.
The Spanish team, including Zubimendi, are preparing for a semi-final clash of the UEFA Nations League with France next week, and they are on an international job tour, with little time for Mikel Arteta’s side to formally complete the necessary steps.
Interestingly, although medical care appears to be set to move on soon, it is thought that Arsenal may not announce the capture of Zubimendi until July.
Diario Vasco says this may suit all parties as both Sociedad and Arsenal can count Zubimendi’s transfers as transactions for the next fiscal year.
With PSR and FFP considered here, Gunners supporters face another long wait on Zubimendi confirmation, but all indications are that at this point they can be considered an informal weapons player.