Credit: X/@Arsenal

Arsenal Close In on ‘World-Class’ Signing With Deal Nearly Finalized

Sporting director Andrea Berta is also aligned with Arteta’s vision, with the duo believing that the player will improve Arsenal's midfield.

Credit: X/@Arsenal

Arsenal are closing in on their first big acquisition of the summer transfer window, with sources confirming that the club is in advanced negotiations with a world-class midfielder. Despite growing interest from Real Madrid and long-standing links with Liverpool, the Gunners remain confident they are ahead of the competition in securing the La Liga star’s signature.

The player in question is Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad. Mikel Arteta is believed to have personally pushed for the move as he identified Zubimendi as a crucial piece in reshaping Arsenal’s midfield ahead of the 2024–25 campaign. New sporting director Andrea Berta is also aligned with Arteta’s vision, with the duo believing that the player’s addition will significantly elevate Arsenal’s midfield.

Arsenal Believe Transfer Is Done Deal

According to GiveMeSport, Arsenal chiefs are operating internally with the belief that a deal for Zubimendi is effectively secured. Transfer expert David Ornstein said on NBC Sports, “They’ll be adding to their midfield with the arrival of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. Arsenal are acting internally as if that is a done deal.“

🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Arsenal are at an advanced stage in negotiations to sign Martin Zubimendi, who has a €60M release clause in his Real Sociedad contract.

(Source: @ESPNFC) pic.twitter.com/Ik6A3IAP89
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 25, 2025

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Zubimendi has long been admired for his tactical intelligence and ability to dictate the tempo of the game. The 26-year-old has a €60 million ($68m) release clause in his contract and Arsenal are now prepared to trigger it. Arsenal are intent on adding a more progressive profile to their midfield and Zubimendi fits that profile perfectly.

Since making his debut in the 2018/19 season, Martin Zubimendi has established himself as a standout performer for Real Sociedad. He has made over 230 appearances for the Spanish club, even earning praise as a “world-class” talent by Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney, who previously spent time on loan at Real Sociedad. With 17 caps for Spain, Zubimendi could prove pivotal for Mikel Arteta’s side should the deal be finalised.

Arsenal

Martin Zubimendi

Real Sociedad

Abhinav Goel

soccer

I am a soccer writer at The PlayOffs, covering everything from match analysis to transfer buzz and tactical deep dives. Ever since I was a kid, soccer has been more than just a sport to me—it’s been an obsession. Playing and watching the game from a young age fueled my passion, eventually leading me into the world of sports media and betting. Now, I get to analyze the sport I love and bring the latest updates to fans worldwide.