
EPL Index
·28 May 2025
‘Medical Arranged’ – Arsenal Set to Complete £50m Summer Signing

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·28 May 2025
Arsenal are on the verge of securing the signature of Martin Zubimendi, a deal that not only strengthens Mikel Arteta’s midfield but underlines the club’s intent ahead of a pivotal Premier League season. The 26-year-old Spaniard, long admired by Arteta, is expected to undergo a medical shortly, with BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel reporting that Zubimendi is “set to have a medical” before his transfer to Arsenal is completed. “All the relevant documents have been signed” and the deal is “entering its final stages”.
After months of speculation and rival interest from Liverpool and Real Madrid, Arsenal have acted decisively. The Gunners will activate his €60 million (£50 million) release clause at Real Sociedad, with the announcement expected once medical formalities are concluded.
Zubimendi’s arrival marks the departure of Jorginho, who is bound for Flamengo, while Thomas Partey could remain as a rotational option. More significantly, the deal allows Declan Rice to shift further up the pitch — a tactical evolution that Arteta views as vital. Mokbel confirms the manager’s high regard: “Arteta is a huge fan of Zubimendi, viewing him as one of the very best defensive midfielders in the world.”
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Zubimendi is just the first piece in a larger transfer puzzle being assembled by sporting director Andrea Berta, who is pressing ahead with a multi-faceted recruitment plan. Arsenal’s need for a prolific striker has led them to Viktor Gyokeres, who scored an extraordinary 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting CP this season.
Reports suggest Arsenal officials have already met Gyokeres’ representatives in Lisbon to discuss a five-year deal. Alongside him, Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig is also being monitored.
Wide options are also on the radar, with Arsenal holding “firm interest” in Rodrygo, the Real Madrid forward who may be available this summer. Should his salary demands prove excessive, alternative options include Ademola Lookman and Kaoru Mitoma.
In addition to strengthening outfield positions, Arsenal are looking to reinforce their goalkeeping ranks. With Neto returning to Bournemouth, competition for David Raya is required. The Gunners are keeping tabs on Joan Garcia of Espanyol, with the 24-year-old reportedly attracting interest from Barcelona and Aston Villa as well.
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This summer is about depth, balance, and preparing for another assault on the Premier League title. Arsenal know the margins are tight at the top, and every addition must be deliberate and decisive.
For Arsenal supporters, the Zubimendi signing feels like more than just another addition — it’s a blueprint coming to life. Arteta’s long-term pursuit of a player so technically gifted and positionally intelligent shows just how important this window is to the club’s vision.
Many fans have long called for a more stable defensive midfielder — someone to sit deep and protect, allowing Declan Rice to express himself in more advanced areas. Zubimendi, with his elegance, intelligence, and ability to dictate play, ticks every box.
The potential arrival of Gyokeres is equally mouthwatering. Arsenal haven’t had a dominant, clinical No. 9 since the days of Robin van Persie. A player with over 50 goals in a single campaign offers a level of decisiveness in the final third that could make all the difference in tight title races.
But there’s also cautious optimism. Supporters have seen promising windows fall flat before. The key here is cohesion. Adding talent is one thing, integrating it seamlessly into a squad that already functions at a high level is another. Still, with Zubimendi nearly confirmed and a bold strategy in place, there’s a genuine sense that this could be the summer where Arsenal move from contenders to champions.