Arsenal close in on Martin Zubimendi transfer: release clause, Madrid snub, and Arteta’s tactical plan

Transfer status: Arsenal close to sealing Zubimendi deal

Martin Zubimendi is poised to become Arsenal’s first major signing of the summer window. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners have reached a verbal agreement with the Spanish midfielder and are preparing to trigger his €60 million release clause. Though official documents remain unsigned, confidence is high that the deal will be completed early in the summer. The Athletic reports that Arsenal have maintained regular contact with Zubimendi’s camp since January and that personal terms are already agreed.

Liverpool’s missed chance

Last summer, Liverpool made a strong push for Zubimendi, reportedly willing to match his release clause. However, the player declined, choosing to remain at Real Sociedad out of loyalty and timing concerns. Goal cites these as primary factors in his decision. Sky Sports confirms that Liverpool shifted focus to integrating Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch instead.

Real Madrid: interest without execution

Real Madrid also evaluated Zubimendi as a long-term midfield solution, especially with Xabi Alonso expected to take over from Carlo Ancelotti. However, reports from Okdiario, Cadena SER, and Marca suggest that Madrid hesitated over the price and ultimately shifted to other options. Despite receiving strong scouting reports, Zubimendi was not considered a top priority. Arsenal’s consistent engagement and tactical clarity were reportedly key in swaying the player’s decision.

Zubimendi’s tactical role under Arteta

At Arsenal, Zubimendi is expected to slot in as a deep-lying midfielder, giving Declan Rice the freedom to push higher up the pitch. With Thomas Partey likely to depart and Jorginho out of contract, Zubimendi’s ball retention, positional awareness, and resistance to pressure make him an ideal fit. BBC Sport describes him as a “calm, intelligent distributor,” while The Guardian highlights his tactical flexibility as one of the best in La Liga for the pivot role.

Andrea Berta’s early influence

This deal could mark the first major move under new sporting director Andrea Berta, who arrived from Atlético Madrid earlier this year. However, the foundations of the transfer were laid by Edu Gaspar and Jason Ayto. According to TeamTalk, Berta took over negotiations in the final stages, coordinating with Real Sociedad and the player’s representatives. As David Ornstein noted in The Athletic, the smooth transition between sporting regimes underlines Arsenal’s commitment to structural continuity in recruitment.

What’s next: goalkeeper and striker targets

Once Zubimendi’s deal is finalised, Arsenal will turn to other key areas. In goal, Joan García of Espanyol has re-emerged as the top candidate. The Independent reports that talks are progressing well, while AS confirms a release clause in the region of €30 million.

Up front, Viktor Gyökeres remains the top target. The Telegraph and BBC Sport state that Arsenal will not meet the full €100 million release clause but are confident a deal can be reached. Football London adds that informal contact has already begun. Alternatives such as Benjamin Šeško and Alexander Isak are also being monitored, according to Sky Sports.

Wider ambitions: Nico Williams on the radar

On the flanks, Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao is another player under close watch. BBC Sport confirms multiple Premier League clubs are scouting the 22-year-old intensively. El Correo reports that Bilbao are preparing a new contract offer, but Arsenal’s Champions League presence and clear development pathway could sway the player’s decision. Arsenal’s summer strategy remains bold and multi-layered — aiming to compete for titles both domestically and in Europe.