Is Arsenal Set to Secure Spain's Zubimendi from Real Sociedad?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Arsenal is close to signing Martin Zubimendi.
- The transfer fee is 60 million euros.
- Zubimendi has played 232 matches for Real Sociedad.
- He has represented Spain 17 times.
- This transfer could impact Arsenal's midfield dynamics.
London, May 28 (NationPress) The English Premier League team Arsenal is on the brink of finalizing an agreement to acquire Spain international midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for a reported fee of 60 million euros (68 million US dollars).
Reports from both Spanish and UK media outlets indicate that Zubimendi is currently in London undergoing his medical examination, with expectations to finalize the deal by Thursday. This transfer would mark the second Spain international midfielder to join Arsenal from Real Sociedad in a year, following Mikel Merino, who made the switch in the summer of 2024, as reported by Xinhua.
While Merino is accustomed to a more advanced position, even finishing the last season as a striker, Zubimendi typically operates in a holding role just in front of the defense, although he has the ability to move further up the pitch. Arsenal sees him as a potential replacement for Thomas Partey, the club’s sole recognized holding midfielder.
The 26-year-old Zubimendi has risen through the ranks of the Real Sociedad youth academy, making his first-team debut at the conclusion of the 2017-18 season and solidifying his position within the squad during the 2020-21 season. He has played 232 matches for the first team, netting 10 goals, and has represented Spain 17 times.
Despite interest from Real Madrid, Zubimendi has chosen to pursue an international move out of respect for the fans of Real Sociedad, the club he has been with throughout his career.
Hailing from San Sebastian, Spain, Zubimendi joined the Real Sociedad youth setup in 2011 and had previously played for Antiguoko in the Donosti Cup from 2006 to 2013. He made his senior debut with Real Sociedad C in August 2016, stepping onto the pitch for the final seven minutes in a 0–0 Tercera División match against Durango.
Arsenal is celebrating a successful season, finishing as runners-up to eventual champions Liverpool in the Premier League 2024-25 and making it to the semifinals of the Champions League 2024-25 season, where they were defeated by Paris Saint-Germain 1-3.