Gunners Agree £55m Deal for Spanish Midfielder Despite Late Bernabéu Interest
Arsenal have reportedly beaten Real Madrid to the signing of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi in a deal worth £55 million, according to The Athletic. The 26-year-old, who has been a long-term target for Mikel Arteta, is expected to join the Gunners this summer despite late interest from the newly crowned La Liga champions.
Zubimendi, a key figure for Real Sociedad and the Spanish national team, had been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool last year before opting to stay in Spain. This time, however, Arsenal have pushed ahead with an improved offer—exceeding his £51 million release clause—to structure the payment in installments, a move that has reportedly sealed the deal.
While Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso, a known admirer of Zubimendi, had hoped to lure the midfielder to the Bernabéu, Arsenal remain confident the transfer is “done and signed.” The delay in an official announcement is said to be due to Real Sociedad’s preference to finalize the deal in July for accounting reasons.
Zubimendi’s arrival will fill a crucial gap in Arteta’s midfield following Jorginho’s departure and the uncertain future of Thomas Partey. The Spaniard’s presence is expected to allow Declan Rice to take on a more advanced role alongside captain Martin Ødegaard.
Despite scoring in Spain’s Nations League final defeat to Portugal on Sunday, Zubimendi is now set for a new challenge in North London. Meanwhile, Arsenal continue their pursuit of a top striker, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško and Sporting’s Viktor Gyökeres also on their radar.
For now, though, Arteta appears to have won the battle for one of Europe’s most sought-after midfielders—a major statement of intent ahead of the new season.
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