Arsenal agrees €60m deal for Zubimendi

Arsenal have reached a verbal agreement with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Gunners are expected to activate the 26-year-old’s €60 million (£51 million) release clause once the summer transfer window opens, positioning him as Mikel Arteta’s first signing of the window.

Sami Mokbel, formerly of the Daily Mail and now with BBC Sport, first reported Arsenal’s interest back in January. While Real Madrid were also linked with a potential move, Zubimendi now appears set to make the switch to north London.

A graduate of Real Sociedad’s academy, Zubimendi has racked up 232 appearances for the club and is highly regarded for his tactical awareness, composure on the ball, and intelligent positioning. His arrival would further strengthen Arsenal’s midfield, particularly with Jorginho expected to depart for Flamengo. It remains unclear whether Thomas Partey, who is nearing the end of his contract, will be offered an extension.

Zubimendi previously rejected interest from Liverpool last summer, opting to remain in La Liga. This time, however, he seems poised to join the Premier League.

The deal has been in the works for months, with former sporting director Edu and interim chief Jason Ayto handling early negotiations. Incoming director Andrea Berta is now finalizing the transfer.

While the move is not yet official, Arsenal are confident it will be completed in the coming weeks. Attention will then turn to reinforcing other areas of the squad, including a forward and a back-up goalkeeper, alongside several key contract renewals.

Bukayo Saka is reportedly close to agreeing a new long-term deal, while talks continue with Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba. The club are also working to secure the futures of promising youngsters Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, with Gabriel Martinelli’s contract situation also under review.