Arsenal have sealed a verbal agreement with Martín Zubimendi, according to Fabrizio Romano with the esteemed journalist ratifying this news with his famous ‘HERE WE GO’. The midfielder set to sign a long-term deal as the club prepares to trigger his €60m release clause from Real Sociedad. The move marks Arsenal’s first signing of the new season, with Zubimendi ready to anchor Mikel Arteta’s midfield. Formalities are expected to be completed shortly, finalising a major coup for the Gunners.
Arsenal have reached an agreement in principle to sign Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, according to Ben Jacobs on 9th May 2025, with only formalities remaining. While the club remains cautious due to the midfielder’s past hesitation, a full agreement is now in place. Edu and Jason Ayto have led the negotiations, but Zubimendi is set to become the first signing under new sporting director Andrea Berta, marking a significant midfield upgrade for Arteta’s side.
As previously reported, Martin Zubimendi is Arsenal’s main priority in their quest of a top-tier defensive midfielder. According to sources, Arsenal rekindled their interest in the 25-year-old Real Sociedad star following their pursuit of Mikel Merino. Mikel Arteta has always liked the player. The North London club has reportedly been working on the agreement for a long time, with efforts ramping up in the past few months, according to David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) on January 14th (The Athletic FC).
To add fuel to the fire, Alex Crook (@alex crook) verified on January 14 that Arsenal and Zubimendi had already reached an agreement on personal terms, clearing the door for a summer transfer. Arsenal are supposedly ready to meet the €60 million release clause, which is the last remaining obstacle.
David Ornstein emphasised in the March 27th, The Athletic Q&A, that he has not heard of any advanced negotiations between Zubimendi and Real Madrid. After Eduardo Gasper and Jason Ayto’s best efforts, Arsenal are confident that they will sign him. The next few weeks should bring more clarity as Andrea Berta prepares to assume the role of permanent sporting director.
Speculation that Real Madrid had made a serious proposal for Zubimendi was denied by Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) on March 28. According to him, Madrid’s approach remains speculative due to rumours of Xabi Alonso succeeding Carlo Ancelotti as the Madrid manager at the end of the season. Xabi regards the player highly but at this moment its pure speculation. Arsenal are eager to avoid any future hijacks by finalising the deal quickly. However, persuading Zubimendi to leave his boyhood club remains a challenge, given his deep attachment to Real Sociedad.
Arsenal’s position was reaffirmed by Matteo Moretto (@MatteMoretto) on March 29. He stated that Arsenal is still the most interested club and are hopeful and confident that their prolonged chase will soon be fruitful. Oscar Badallo (@Oscarbadallo) on March 29 went further, declaring that Zubimendi is set to join Arsenal, with only the final transfer fee to be settled.
Zubimendi isn’t just another name on a shortlist. He’s the strategic pivot Arsenal believe can elevate their midfield.
Why Zubimendi Is Exactly What Arsenal Need
Arteta’s system thrives on control, transitions, and intelligent ball progression. Zubimendi offers all three. A defensive midfielder with vision, bite, and tempo-setting calm, he embodies the tactical discipline Arteta demands.
Let’s look at what sets him apart:
- Positionally smart: No errors leading to goals in 44 appearances this season.
- Defensive strength: 89 tackles, 49 interceptions, and 14 clearances. A rock in midfield.
- Efficient in possession: 1,863 accurate passes with an 85.3% completion rate.
- Creative under pressure: 22 key passes, showing he can initiate as well as disrupt.
- Composure and discipline: 10 yellow cards, zero reds—aggressive but measured.
These aren’t just numbers—they reflect his control over both ball and space. And that’s precisely what Arsenal missed in high-pressure matches this season.
Advanced Metrics Tell the Same Story
From the provided percentile radar (24/25 season), the data backs the scouting:
- Duels Won %: Zubimendi belongs to the 88th percentile which simply highlights his elite presence in midfield battles.
- Defensive Actions: He belongs currently in the 74th percentile — pinpointing he is reliable off the ball and showcases his ball-winning ability.
- Progressive Passes: Currently residing in the 75th percentile Zubimendi’s passing ability is underrated — simply a metronome in build-up play.
- Forward Passes: Zubimendi is in the 79th percentile in this sector — he combines verticality with precision in his passing.
- Progressive Carries: He belongs in the 64th percentile currently, showcasing he is competent to carry the ball under pressure and bypass the opposition’s pressing structure. However, with players like Rice and Odegaard around its more important for Zubimendi to screen the backline and sit deeper and be more of a ball-winner than a box-to-box ball-carrier.
- Key Passes: Zubimendi falls in the 54th percentile for key passes— cementing his stature as an underrated chance creator from deep, especially with 22 key passes this season.
- Forward Pass Accuracy %: He ranks in the 60th percentile— thus he is decisive in transition without unnecessary risk.
These stats show a player who fits Arsenal’s tactical profile: solid defensively, press-resistant, and forward-thinking.
Tactically, Where Does He Fit?
In a 4-3-3, Zubimendi would replace or rotate with Thomas Partey at the base. His passing range and interception timing would allow Rice to play higher up or alternate as a box-to-box disruptor.
Against top six opposition, Zubimendi’s calmness under pressure could neutralize aggressive presses and initiate counterattacks with surgical precision.
He is not just a defensive presence—he’s a tempo dictator. And Arsenal need one if they aim to bridge the gap to Manchester City FC & Liverpool FC. These reflect both consistency and high-level output in a demanding role. Arsenal are investing in reliability, not just potential.
Final Word
Zubimendi isn’t a splash signing—he’s a calculated, data-backed move. Arsenal are preparing for a more balanced, composed midfield core. This deal will mark one of the smartest early moves of the summer.
[The data used in analysis have been collected and assimilated on 9th May 2025 from Datamb, Capology, Sofascore & Transfermarkt.]