Arsenal have long been interested in acquiring the services of Martin Zubimendi, a talented midfielder who currently plays for Real Sociedad in Spain’s La Liga. Zubimendi has been on the radar of several top European clubs, with Liverpool initially considered the frontrunners for his signature. However, recent developments have seen Liverpool step back from the race, and Arsenal have emerged as the leading contenders for the 25-year-old’s signature. According to reports from El Nacional, Arsenal have now made a fresh and intriguing offer for the midfielder, with the Gunners proposing a cash-plus-player deal worth £25 million, along with two players—defenders Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu.
The move for Zubimendi is seen as a strategic one by Arsenal, who have identified the midfielder as a key addition to their squad. Zubimendi has been an integral part of Real Sociedad’s midfield for several years, known for his composure on the ball, vision, and ability to control the tempo of the game. His style of play fits the philosophy of Mikel Arteta, and with the Gunners looking to strengthen their midfield, Zubimendi could be the perfect fit. The midfielder has a release clause in his contract, set at £51 million, and while this is a substantial fee, the offer Arsenal has put on the table is seen as more than reasonable by many.
Arsenal’s offer includes £25 million in cash and the inclusion of Kiwior and Tomiyasu, two players who have not been regular starters in the team this season. Kiwior, a versatile defender who can play both centrally and on the left, has struggled for game time at Arsenal since his arrival, while Tomiyasu, a right-back who can also play as a centre-back, has faced stiff competition for a starting spot. Both players could benefit from a move to Real Sociedad, where they could play more regularly and help strengthen the Spanish club’s defensive options.
The inclusion of Kiwior and Tomiyasu in the deal also works in Arsenal’s favour, as it provides Real Sociedad with the opportunity to strengthen their squad while simultaneously receiving a significant cash injection. With the market for defenders being quite competitive, both Kiwior and Tomiyasu are viewed as valuable assets, and their inclusion in the deal makes it a win-win situation for all parties involved. If the deal goes through, Arsenal would not only secure the signing of Zubimendi, but they would also free up space in their squad by offloading two players who have not been central to Arteta’s plans this season.
Arsenal’s need for a midfielder has become more urgent following the injuries to key players like Thomas Partey and Jorginho, who are expected to leave the club in the summer. With these departures looming, Arteta is looking to add another central midfielder to his squad to maintain depth and balance in the team. Zubimendi is seen as a perfect fit for Arsenal’s system, with his technical ability, work rate, and intelligence on the ball making him an ideal candidate to complement players like Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard in the heart of the midfield.
Reports indicate that Zubimendi has already agreed to personal terms with Arsenal, which means that the only remaining hurdle is for the two clubs to come to an agreement on the transfer fee. This is a significant step forward in the transfer process, as personal terms can often be one of the more difficult aspects of a deal to finalize. With Zubimendi reportedly keen on making the move to the Premier League, it seems likely that a deal will be completed before the January transfer window closes.
The negotiations between Arsenal and Real Sociedad are said to be in advanced talks, and Arsenal is confident of completing the deal in the coming days. While the Gunners have offered £25 million along with Kiwior and Tomiyasu, which exceeds Zubimendi’s release clause, it remains to be seen whether Real Sociedad will accept this offer. The inclusion of the two players may make the deal more appealing to the Spanish club, but it is still unclear whether they will be willing to accept the proposal or if they will push for a higher cash sum. However, with Zubimendi’s contract situation and his willingness to move to the Premier League, there is optimism that an agreement can be reached soon.
Zubimendi’s move to Arsenal would be a major coup for the club, as they continue their push for Premier League glory. The Gunners have been impressive under Arteta’s guidance, and securing a player of Zubimendi’s quality would be a huge statement of intent. With the team already boasting a strong core of talented players, adding Zubimendi to the mix would provide Arteta with even more options in the midfield, strengthening an area that has been a key focus for the club in recent seasons.
Last year, Zubimendi was linked with a move to Liverpool, and it seemed at one point that a deal with the Anfield club was imminent. However, the move never materialized, and Zubimendi decided to stay at Real Sociedad for the time being. His decision to remain in Spain was likely influenced by his desire for more playing time and his comfort at Sociedad, where he has been a key figure in the team’s success in La Liga. However, reports now suggest that his stance has changed, and the midfielder is ready to make the move to England.
Liverpool, who were once considered the favourites to sign Zubimendi, have now seemingly withdrawn from the race. The club is reportedly considering alternative options, including Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller. With Liverpool no longer in the running for Zubimendi, Arsenal appears to have a clear path to complete the signing of the player. This shift in interest has been beneficial for Arsenal, as it has allowed them to step up their efforts to secure Zubimendi without facing significant competition from one of their major Premier League rivals.
While Zubimendi has long been considered one of the top midfield talents in Spain, his move to the Premier League would represent a new challenge for him. The midfielder would be joining an Arsenal team that is currently fighting for the Premier League title, and his arrival would further bolster their midfield options. Zubimendi’s technical ability and tactical awareness would make him a perfect fit for Arteta’s system, which emphasizes control in midfield and quick, intelligent transitions.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Zubimendi highlights their commitment to strengthening their squad and building for the future. With key players like Partey and Jorginho likely to leave the club in the near future, adding a player like Zubimendi would provide the team with a long-term solution in midfield. The Gunners have already made significant strides in their pursuit of the Spanish international, and the upcoming weeks will be crucial in determining whether they can complete the deal.
The inclusion of Kiwior and Tomiyasu in the deal also demonstrates Arsenal’s willingness to be flexible in negotiations and offer players as part of the package. Both players have not been regular starters for Arsenal this season, and a move away from the club could benefit their development. If the deal is completed, it would be a positive outcome for all parties involved, as Arsenal would secure a top-quality midfielder, Real Sociedad would strengthen their defense with two capable players, and Kiwior and Tomiyasu would have the opportunity for more playing time at a club like Sociedad.
As the January transfer window comes to a close, Arsenal fans will be eagerly awaiting news of the deal’s completion. The Gunners are in need of a central midfielder to help bolster their squad, and Zubimendi would be an excellent addition to the team. With the offer now on the table, it remains to be seen whether Real Sociedad will accept the proposal or hold out for a higher cash fee. However, with the player eager to make the move to England and the clubs in advanced talks, it seems likely that Zubimendi will soon be donning the red and white of Arsenal.
