Zubimendi is all but confirmed for Arsenal, with only the medical tests remaining

Linked to Arsenal for several months, Martín Zubimendi is now closer than ever to completing a long-anticipated move to the Premier League.

The Spanish midfielder, who has been one of Real Sociedad’s most consistent and influential players in recent seasons, is set to become the latest reinforcement for Mikel Arteta’s ambitious Arsenal side. With all the paperwork signed and the €60 million release clause agreed upon, the only thing standing between Zubimendi and his Arsenal debut is a routine medical in London.

The deal, first reported by the BBC and now widely confirmed across Spanish and English media, represents a significant coup for the Gunners, who have been monitoring the 26-year-old for more than a year. Liverpool were also seriously interested earlier in 2024, but Zubimendi’s preference was always clear he wanted to work under Arteta and be part of a project that is steadily building toward long-term domestic and European success.

Zubimendi’s move is not just about reinforcing the midfield it’s about adding a highly intelligent, tactically mature player who has grown into a leadership role at Real Sociedad. A product of the Basque club’s academy, he embodies the identity and values of La Real, known for their technical precision, disciplined defensive structure, and elegant build-up play. His style aligns seamlessly with Arteta’s tactical vision, which emphasizes control, composure in possession, and structural discipline in midfield transitions.

This past season, Zubimendi featured in 48 matches across all competitions, scoring two goals and registering one assist. While those numbers might not turn heads on their own, they don’t fully capture his impact on the pitch. He has been the engine of Imanol Alguacil’s midfield, offering defensive solidity, precise passing, and tactical awareness in front of the back four. His role was pivotal in stabilizing Real Sociedad’s often-young midfield and ensuring structure during high-pressure games.

Despite the club’s overall inconsistency this season which saw them finish 11th in LaLiga Zubimendi remained one of their standout performers. He captained the team on multiple occasions and continued to draw interest from elite clubs across Europe. Yet, even with offers on the table, the midfielder remained loyal to Sociedad until now, when the opportunity to join a rising Arsenal side proved too compelling to ignore.

Zubimendi’s arrival adds depth and flexibility to Arsenal’s midfield, an area that Arteta has been keen to strengthen ahead of a demanding 2024–25 season. The Gunners will compete once again on multiple fronts, including the Champions League, where squad depth and tactical adaptability will be key. Zubimendi is expected to either partner or rotate with Declan Rice and Jorginho, depending on the system Arteta employs. His ability to operate as both a single pivot and in a double pivot makes him a valuable asset in various formations.

Another important factor in Zubimendi’s adaptation to life in North London could be the presence of Mikel Merino. The two midfielders formed a strong partnership at Real Sociedad, and Merino’s move to Arsenal last summer for €32 million has already paid dividends. The chemistry between the two is well-documented, and having a familiar face in the dressing room will undoubtedly ease the transition for Zubimendi both on and off the pitch.

For Arsenal, this transfer is part of a broader strategy of building a squad capable of not just competing, but dominating. The club has moved away from short-term solutions and now consistently targets players in their mid-20s with leadership potential, tactical intelligence, and a hunger to win. Zubimendi checks all those boxes. His arrival also sends a clear message to rivals: Arsenal intend to keep progressing, and they’re willing to spend on the right profiles to do so.

In Spain, his departure is seen as the end of an era for Real Sociedad. Zubimendi has not only been one of their best players but also one of their most admired homegrown talents. His move is bittersweet for La Real fans, who understand the step up but know they’re losing a midfielder who embodied their identity. The club will now look to reinvest and restructure their midfield ahead of next season.

Zubimendi is expected to travel to London within the next 48 hours to undergo medical tests and finalize personal terms, although those are believed to already be agreed upon. Arsenal are planning to unveil him officially before their preseason preparations begin, giving him time to integrate with the squad during the summer training camp.

With the signing of Martín Zubimendi nearly complete, Arsenal's midfield looks increasingly well-rounded and equipped to challenge on all fronts. For Arteta, it’s another piece of the puzzle in building a team capable of turning near-misses into silverware. For Zubimendi, it’s the next chapter in a career that continues to rise and he joins the Premier League with the expectation of making a real impact.