The summer 2025 transfer window is starting to get exciting, and one of the biggest news stories is Martin Zubimendi’s possible move to Arsenal. The talented Spanish midfielder has been on the radar of many top European teams, but it looks like the Gunners are finally ahead in the race to sign him.
After months of rumors, mixed reports, and tough competition from local rivals and La Liga powerhouses, Arsenal is getting close to signing Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, with a deal reportedly set to pay his £51 million release clause.
Arsenal’s Plan to Strengthen Their Midfield
Arsenal’s interest in Zubimendi isn’t new. Mikel Arteta has made the 26-year-old his main target as the club aims to strengthen their midfield. After finishing as Premier League runners-up for three seasons in a row, Arsenal is eager to catch up to the league leaders and make a serious push for the title.
Arteta believes Zubimendi is the perfect fit for his midfield. Known for his smart positioning, great passing skills, and ability to stay calm under pressure, the Spanish international would blend well with Arsenal’s style of play that focuses on possession. His tactical understanding and defensive skills would work well with players like Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard, giving Arsenal one of the strongest midfield groups in England.
A Transfer Saga Full of Twists
What makes this deal really interesting is the transfer drama that has happened over the last year. Last summer, Liverpool tried to get Zubimendi, but the midfielder decided to stay with Real Sociedad. This summer, he caught the eye of Real Madrid, with their new manager Xabi Alonso — who used to coach Zubimendi in Sociedad’s reserve team — reportedly wanting to bring him to the Bernabéu.
While Madrid’s interest created buzz in Spain, Arsenal had already been working on the deal for months. Reports say the Gunners kept pushing, staying in touch with Zubimendi’s agents and Real Sociedad officials.
Negotiations about how the release clause payments would work were a problem, but those issues now seem to be resolved. Arsenal is thought to be confident in announcing the midfielder as their first big signing of the summer window.
A New Era Under Andrea Berta
Another key development in Arsenal’s chase for Zubimendi has been the arrival of Andrea Berta as the club’s new sporting director. Berta, who was hired in March after doing well at Atlético Madrid, has quickly started to make his mark on Arsenal’s transfer plans.
This move is Berta’s first major signing at Arsenal, marking the beginning of a new recruitment strategy aimed at bringing in top European talent to boost the club’s competitiveness. His early talks have reportedly included meetings with the agents of Nico Williams, another Spain international on Arsenal’s radar who has a release clause of £58 million.
Meanwhile, Jason Ayto, who had been the interim sporting director after Edu’s unexpected move to Nottingham Forest, will return to his previous role as assistant sporting director now that Berta is fully in charge.
What Martin Zubimendi Brings to Arsenal
So, why is Arsenal so interested in Martin Zubimendi? The midfielder from Real Sociedad is seen as one of the best holding midfielders in La Liga. He came from Sociedad’s youth academy and has become a reliable player in Spain’s top league and a regular member of the national team.
Martin Zubimendi brings:
Great positional discipline
Accurate passing for both short and long distances
Strong defensive skills, like making interceptions and tackles
Leadership and calmness when under pressure
At 26 years old, he is at the peak of his career and would add a mix of youth and experience to Arsenal’s midfield.
What’s Next for Arsenal in the Transfer Market?
As Zubimendi’s transfer is almost done, Arsenal fans are excited to see who else might join the team this summer. The club has been connected to several attacking players, including Nico Williams, as they aim to improve the squad’s depth and quality. Strengthening the defense and finding a versatile forward are still top priorities for Arteta.
Signing Zubimendi would send a strong message to both rivals and fans — Arsenal is serious about finally ending their title drought and competing for major trophies in England and Europe.
The Martin Zubimendi transfer story has included a lot — excitement, rivalry from big clubs, smart talks, and a back-and-forth between La Liga and the Premier League. If Arsenal manages to complete the deal as planned, it might be one of the biggest midfield signings of the 2025 summer transfer window.
Fans of Arsenal will be hoping that Zubimendi, together with Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard, creates a strong midfield that can finally bring some trophies to the Emirates Stadium.
Keep an eye out — the official news could come any day now.
