Report: Arteta’s Key Signing “Agrees Personal Terms”

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·11 de mayo de 2025

Report: Arteta’s Key Signing “Agrees Personal Terms”

Midfield Reinforcements Lined Up Ahead of Key Summer Window

Arsenal are on the brink of securing their first major signing of the summer, with Spain international Martín Zubimendi having verbally agreed personal terms on a long-term contract, according to sources close to the situation.

The Real Sociedad midfielder has informed his club of his intention to join Arsenal, provided his £50million release clause is met—something the Gunners are now poised to trigger. The development marks a significant breakthrough in Arsenal’s pursuit of one of Europe’s most technically accomplished deep-lying playmakers.

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This move has been in the works for some time. Back in January, talkSPORT reported that advanced discussions were taking place, and it now appears that the north London club are ready to act decisively as the transfer window looms.

Why Zubimendi Fits Arteta’s Blueprint

Zubimendi’s arrival would be both strategic and timely. With Jorginho and Thomas Partey both potentially departing as free agents, Arsenal are prioritising midfield reinforcements to sustain their push for domestic and European silverware next season.

A Euro 2024 winner and full Spain international, Zubimendi has earned plaudits for his composure on the ball and intelligence in possession. Speaking earlier this campaign to TNT Sport, Liverpool manager Arne Slot described the 25-year-old as a “talented technician who can progress the ball.”

Slot elaborated:

“I prefer them to get the ball behind those two.Therefore these two (Liverpool centre-backs) are so important that we can find them behind those two (first line of opposition press), instead of asking the ball over here or there or there (wide).We prefer them keep more in midfield.I even think the player that we wanted to bring in – I think it’s out in the open that much – was also a player that was really comfortable, is still a player that is really comfortable on the ball and can bring the ball from our last line to our forwards.”

Xabi Alonso’s Admiration Highlights Midfield Talent

The midfielder also boasts a glowing endorsement from soon-to-be Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso, who worked with Zubimendi during his formative years at Real Sociedad. Alonso has long seen the Basque-born star as the model professional:

“Martín’s a player all coaches would want.He’s generous, he always thinks more about his teammates than himself.”

Such endorsements underscore Zubimendi’s blend of positional intelligence, technical elegance and selfless work rate—qualities Mikel Arteta is known to value highly.

Arsenal Win Key Battle With Rivals

Zubimendi’s decision to commit to Arsenal is particularly significant given that Liverpool had previously shown strong interest, only for the player to pull back from a potential move to Anfield last summer. The Merseysiders chose not to revisit their pursuit, and Arsenal have now moved swiftly to secure his signature.

With Bruno Guimarães also considered earlier in the recruitment process, Zubimendi’s agreement reflects Arsenal’s focus on finding the right profile to slot into their tactical framework.

Although the Gunners narrowly missed out on both the Premier League title and Champions League final this season—losing out domestically to Liverpool and falling to Paris Saint-Germain in the European semi-finals—Zubimendi’s imminent arrival signals intent to challenge again on all fronts.

The deal, once completed, will be seen as a statement of ambition from Arsenal, beating out major rivals to land one of La Liga’s most coveted midfielders.