Martin Zubimendi is here! Real Sociedad midfielder lands in London to complete £52m Arsenal move following failed Real Madrid hijack

Despite last-minute interest from Los Blancos, Arsenal have successfully fended off competition and are now on the verge of securing the services of one of La Liga’s most consistent midfielders. Zubimendi is now in the English capital, as revealed by The Athletic,and will be looking to bring an end to protracted negotiations that were briefly threatened by interest from Real Madrid.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been instrumental in pushing for Zubimendi’s signing, viewing him as an essential addition to his evolving squad. Arteta had previously identified the Real Sociedad star during discussions for a potential move involving Mikel Merino last summer, and the interest only intensified since then. Although the paperwork is now largely in order, reports indicate that Sociedad prefer the transaction to be officially confirmed in July for accounting purposes, a request Arsenal are expected to accommodate.

With Jorginho having recently completed a switch to Flamengo and uncertainty surrounding Thomas Partey’s contract situation, the Gunners were in urgent need of reinforcements in the centre of the pitch. Although negotiations are ongoing to possibly extend Partey’s stay, no agreement has been reached, prompting the club to act decisively in the transfer market.

Since breaking into the first team, Zubimendi has racked up 236 appearances for Sociedad, developing into one of Spain’s most dependable midfielders. His experience and work rate are seen as ideal traits for the demands of English football, and he will join a growing Spanish contingent at Arsenal, including Arteta as coach and goalkeeper David Raya.