In what promises to be one of the most explosive transfer windows in recent Arsenal history, Martin Zubimendi is now just a medical away from becoming the Gunners’ first major summer signing — and he won’t be the last.
The long-standing pursuit of the Real Sociedad midfield dynamo is about to pay off, with all documents signed and Arsenal internally treating the transfer as “done,” per trusted insider David Ornstein. After months of circling and dodging Real Madrid’s interest, Arsenal have emerged victorious, activating Zubimendi’s €60 million (£50m) release clause in style.
“Zubimendi is set to have a medical,” confirmed Sami Mokbel, BBC Sport’s senior correspondent, adding that the move is now “in its final stages.”
Arsenal have chased the 26-year-old Spanish international across multiple windows. Liverpool nearly snatched him up last summer, only for the player to pull a last-minute U-turn to remain in Spain. This time, there’s no turning back. Mikel Arteta has personally championed Zubimendi as a world-class No. 6, ready to anchor Arsenal’s midfield for years.
Zubimendi’s arrival will usher in a new midfield dynamic at the Emirates. With Jorginho set to join Flamengo, Arteta envisions Thomas Partey as a rotational figure while freeing up Declan Rice to push further forward — a tactical shift aimed at unleashing his full box-to-box potential.
“Martin is a player I’ve admired for a long time,” Arteta has previously hinted. “He brings intelligence, control, and a winning mentality — everything we need to dominate games.”
But this blockbuster midfield move is just the beginning.
Arsenal Plotting a Transfer Blitz: Gyokeres, Sesko & Rodrygo in Sight
Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly orchestrating a summer overhaul, with sources confirming that a striker, a winger, and a goalkeeper are also on the priority list. The goal? End Manchester City’s domestic dominance and finally bring the Premier League trophy back to North London.
Topping the list is Viktor Gyokeres, who is coming off a staggering 54-goal season for Sporting CP. Arsenal have already opened talks with his agent in Lisbon, and a five-year deal is said to be on the table.
In case negotiations falter, Arsenal have a Plan B: Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig. The towering Slovenian has emerged as another top target to solve Arsenal’s long-standing No. 9 conundrum.
Meanwhile, on the flanks, Berta is keeping close tabs on Rodrygo, who could be prised from Real Madrid after being deemed surplus to requirements in the wake of Kylian Mbappe’s anticipated arrival. While his wage demands are steep, Arsenal may bite if other targets fall through.
Should Rodrygo prove too costly, backup options include Ademola Lookman, fresh off a Europa League final masterclass for Atalanta, and Kaoru Mitoma of Brighton, whose electric pace has caught Arteta’s eye.
Reinforcements in Goal: Battle with Barca for Spanish Shot-Stopper
The Gunners are also hunting for goalkeeping depth to challenge David Raya, especially with Neto returning to Bournemouth. The name at the top of the wishlist? Joan Garcia, the 24-year-old sensation from Espanyol. With Barcelona and Aston Villa also circling, Arsenal are moving quickly to secure his services, with the player set to meet his agent this week to weigh offers.
Arsenal’s Summer: A Statement of Intent
With Zubimendi nearly over the line, and three more marquee additions in motion, Arsenal’s ambition couldn’t be clearer. After narrowly missing out on the Premier League title this season, Mikel Arteta is being fully backed to build a squad capable of going all the way.
The message from the Emirates is loud and clear: Arsenal aren’t just here to compete — they’re here to conquer.
