Arsenal's top target arrives in London to finalise summer switch

Martin Zubimendi is in London to complete the final steps of his transfer to Arsenal, with a deal now nearing its conclusion after months of behind-the-scenes work.

The Spanish midfielder has long been on Mikel Arteta’s radar and is set to become Arsenal’s first signing of the summer transfer window.

Arsenal have agreed to meet Zubimendi’s €60 million (£51.7 million) release clause, and the player is expected to undergo medicals and finalise terms with club officials in the coming days.

His arrival would fill a key gap in midfield following the departure of Jorginho to Flamengo and amid growing expectation that Thomas Partey will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of June.

The Gunners had made initial contact with Real Sociedad over a deal for Mikel Merino last summer, but the pursuit of Zubimendi quickly overtook those discussions and has now reached its endgame.

Zubimendi, who won the Copa del Rey with Sociedad and helped Spain lift the Nations League and Euro 2024, made 36 La Liga appearances last season and has already accumulated over 230 matches for his boyhood club.

His tactical intelligence, press resistance and range of passing make him an ideal fit for Arsenal’s evolving midfield structure under Arteta.

The 25-year-old is often the deepest player in build-up phases, receiving under pressure and enabling his team to bypass opposition presses through clever angles and quick distribution.

That skillset will be crucial in an Arsenal side that prides itself on control and progression from deep, especially in big matches where technical precision is paramount.

Zubimendi’s grounding in Sociedad’s high-pressure, short-passing style, often inviting pressure around their own box, has forged him into a player calm in chaos and precise in execution.

Though Real Madrid reportedly explored the idea of a last-minute hijack, Arsenal have been confident of sealing the deal since January, when their plans for a summer bid were first reported.

The midfielder previously turned down interest from Liverpool, but now looks set to test himself in the Premier League with a club on the rise.

He also reunites with former teammate Martin Odegaard and joins international colleagues David Raya and Mikel Merino in North London.

Zubimendi’s arrival is expected to be the first of several moves this summer, with Arsenal also prioritising attacking reinforcements as they prepare for another title push.

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