Arsenal consider their move for Martin Zubimendi done and dusted, with only a medical and official announcement left to complete. The club is aiming to close a long-running transfer saga by finally bringing the Real Sociedad midfielder to North London.
The Gunners had originally agreed a deal to sign Zubimendi in January, with a summer move pencilled in. Multiple credible sources confirmed in May that he was on his way to Arsenal, though fans have grown increasingly anxious due to the lack of official word. Concerns only intensified with reports of interest from Real Madrid.
These fears are understandable, particularly given that Zubimendi previously rejected a lucrative move to Liverpool at the final stage of negotiations last year.
Ornstein: Deal agreed, announcement in July
In a new update via The Athletic, trusted journalist David Ornstein has confirmed that Arsenal view the deal as “done and signed.” The club reportedly plan to make an announcement in July, once the player undergoes his medical.
Importantly, the delay is not down to any last-minute changes or uncertainty, but simply due to Real Sociedad’s accounting schedule. They prefer the transfer to be finalised in the next financial window.
The 26-year-old is expected to link up with Mikel Arteta’s squad before pre-season begins, providing a timely boost to Arsenal’s midfield depth. As for Real Madrid’s interest, Ornstein clarified that Los Blancos never made a concrete move for the player despite monitoring him closely.
Arsenal now focus on next phase of summer business
With Zubimendi’s arrival all but secured, Arsenal can now push ahead with other targets. Signing a top-class centre-forward remains the club’s top priority, while a winger and an additional midfielder also rank high on the list.
Recent weeks have seen Arsenal linked with the likes of Benjamin Šeško and Rodrygo as the club look to strengthen key areas with elite-level quality.
Internally, Arsenal are also working on contract renewals. Gabriel Magalhães has already extended, with the likes of William Saliba, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Bukayo Saka hopefully next in line.
Do you think Zubimendi is the missing piece in midfield, Gooners?
Daniel O
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Like him but looks a bit on the short side to me (compared with Partey) but I’m sure someone will measure him for me 😊
He’s shorter than Partey but has an incredible leap which helps him win headers against taller opponents. Statistically Zubimendi wins 1.64 aerial duels per 90 which is the 85th percentile for midfielders. Partey in comparison wins 0.85 per 90, which is in the 51st percentile. So Zubimendi is actually an upgrade in the air despite being shorter. It’s for this reason Zubimendi can slot in between the centre backs as that auxiliary centre back when the situation calls for it.
As for measurement, Zubimendi is 5’11’ (180cm) while Partey is 6’1”(185cm).
It’s a bit like Raya who is short for a keeper but is one of the best keepers in the air because of his leap.
This was meant to be a reply to GB
Thanks Onyango for your very comprehensive and helpful reply 👏
Partey can head for shiit.
Lol
Until the deal is signed, sealed and delivered I won’t sit pretty on this.
The characteristic homesickness of young Spanish players is legendary. Even after they have joined, you cannot be sure that they wouldn’t come back tomorrow to ask to head back to Spain
We have seen it in Reyes, Merida and even Favregas. And the utterances of Zubimendi that continually portray unabashed flirtation with Real Madrid are not helping matters at all. But let’s just hope that we sign him eventually.
OT – Guadiola claims that Arsenal and Liverpool hold the season’s PL advantage because of their non participation in the Clubs World Cup. England manager Tuchel echoed similar sentiments just the other day.
I have a different view. I rather think that City’s participation may actually work in their favour. The CWC could be a very good preseason of sorts during which they could bed in their legion of new signings to build a well oiled squad
One more to go
Zubimendi has current Spanish goalkeeper Raya and former team mate in midfield to help him settle, along with Arteta.
How he settles will be key, but he’s a experienced player, and with Partey as a back up, the midfield should be very strong