In a significant development, it appears that Real Sociedad’s highly regarded midfielder, Martin Zubimendi, is on the brink of joining Arsenal in a £51 million deal. The culmination of this transfer has been the result of persistent efforts by Arsenal’s Edu, who intensified negotiations after the team’s recent victory. The completion of paperwork signifies the finalization of a four-year contract for Zubimendi, marking a poignant departure from his cherished childhood club.
Recent reports indicate that the Spanish midfielder, often compared to Sergio Busquets, has been a key figure for Real Sociedad since his debut in the 2019/20 season. With 172 appearances and eight goals for Sociedad, the 24-year-old has established himself as a reliable defensive midfielder. Despite previous interest from Manchester United, Arsenal has emerged as the frontrunner for Zubimendi’s signature, as confirmed by a report from Nacional in Spain.
While the player initially seemed reluctant to part ways with Sociedad at the beginning of the season, recent developments have led to a change in his stance. The club is now preparing for the departure of one of its pivotal players, and Arsenal has become Zubimendi’s preferred destination over alternatives like Aston Villa and Athletic Bilbao. Despite reported interest from Barcelona, Zubimendi has opted for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, is determined to secure Zubimendi and is willing to meet the £51 million release clause. However, a January transfer may face obstacles due to Premier League financial regulations, requiring potential player sales by Arsenal. Additionally, Arteta has set his sights on Brentford’s Ivan Toney as a striking option, though the £100 million price tag for a January move poses financial considerations for the club. The evolving financial landscape and sustainability rules will likely play a crucial role in shaping Arsenal’s transfer decisions in the coming months.
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