Word on the street is that Martin Zubimendi’s move to Arsenal is all but sealed, pending a medical.
The Gunners are believed to have agreed a £51 million deal for the Real Sociedad midfield maestro, and preparations for medical checks are already in motion.
However, The Mirror reports that Real Madrid could still attempt to hijack the deal. Citing Spanish outlet AS, they suggest the midfielder could be tempted by the chance to play under his idol and former Real Sociedad B coach, Xabi Alonso, who is widely expected to take over at Madrid next season.
Given that Zubimendi has yet to undergo a medical, some believe the door remains slightly open for interference.
Madrid can’t (or won’t) compete with Arsenal’s terms
Here’s where it gets interesting. Despite their admiration for the player, Real Madrid are reportedly unwilling to meet Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause. That’s the exact figure Arsenal have already agreed to pay in full.
Which begs the question, why would Sociedad agree to a cut-price deal for Madrid when Arsenal are offering top dollar?
Financially, Arsenal also appear to have the edge. The report claims the Gunners are offering Zubimendi an £8 million-per-year salary, while Madrid are apparently not prepared to match that figure.
It’s a bold move from Arsenal, and one that shows real intent. If Zubimendi values clarity, ambition, and competitive wages, the Emirates seems like the smart destination.
Zubimendi could transform Arteta’s midfield
If the deal goes through, Arsenal are getting more than just a midfielder, they’re landing a tactical upgrade.
Zubimendi is known for his two-footedness, press resistance, and vertical passing range. Some of his ball distribution has drawn comparisons to Jorginho, but with more athleticism and intensity.
Slot him into a midfield alongside Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, and potentially Thomas Partey, and Arsenal suddenly boast one of the most well-rounded midfields in Europe.
In fact, if you throw in Mikel Merino (another target) and younger options like Myles Lewis-Skelly, Mikel Arteta could be building his own Grand Theft Auto midfield, one that might rival Pep Guardiola’s rebuild at Manchester City.
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If this Transfer rumour is true then my goodness has it dragged on since it was started in January.
It’s been going and going and going..
😊
While i have had doubts concerning Zubemendi and his ability to cope physically with the demands of the EPL,his performance in the final against Portugal yesterday was decidedly impressive .Along with Mendes of PSG, he was the best player on the park and, importantly, did not run out of steam during his 120 min outing.I was particularly impressed by his ability to surge forward with ball at feet from deep lying positions which caused problems for the Portugese midfielders and created spaces for his teammates.If he can perform like he did yesterday on a regular basis the transfer fee of 51m would be money well spent.
Spanish papers act as cheerleaders for the big clubs in Spain. They carry out a lot of their PR for them . A Spanish paper like AS prefers to run a story suggesting that the pull of Madrid will turn Z’s head rather than one of the best players in Spain has decamped to England .
I was told by a good source that the deal is done but Sociedad want it to be a July transaction for accounting reasons . A lot of the furore has arisen from a Spanish newspaper campaign orchestrated by Real Madrid
Anyone buy this Zooby can’t sign till July to help selling club accounting gubbins?
So you know what difference does it make to them if it’s this financial year or next? As opposed to getting money in your bank ASAP, and spent on replacement before you targets gone elsewhere.
No sir. It’s 100% stalling for a better deal from Real, and perhaps the player for another season too.
I said for couple of months now this Zooby deal isn’t happening. And it’s not the end of the world when it doesn’t. There’s better number 6’s that are cheaper.
So who are the better and cheaper options you refer to?
Ederson, Locattelli, reijnders (proven as cheaper). Luiz. That’s four numbers sixes better than ZoobMends.
I like Luiz. We know Doug can boss Prem games and ECL, and will only get better in his prime.
I would sign Locatelli.
Do you think it might possibly be that Real Sociedad are making sure that they comply with FFP?
@Moon Girl, Locatelli refused us before; rule him out. Rheijnders is already ManCity bound.
But I agree with you that we can always find alternatives (even if not “cheaper”)for Zubimendi. We just need to look outside Spain!