Arsenal have kickstarted their summer transfer window with a key piece of business, according to trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, as manager Mikel Arteta prepares to welcome his newest squad member to N5.
The north Londoners, after missing out on the Premier League title to Liverpool by 10 points last season, are looking to make a statement of intent over the coming months, with all eyes on new sporting director Andrea Berta.
Berta’s proven track record at former club Atlético Madrid ultimately convinced Arsenal to replace Edu Gaspar with the Italian three months ago, and he’s since been busy spinning many plates at the Emirates in pursuit of much-needed new additions.
Their search for a new striker has dominated the headlines, with Berta working on moves for both Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko, as he looks to secure the best possible deal for a much-needed centre-forward.
Arsenal have also held “numerous talks” over targets for the wide area, as per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, with goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga also poised to join the north Londoners as David Raya’s new understudy to replace Neto.
However, before all of this activity started taking place, Arsenal began work on a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
Talks have been at an advanced stage since January, with the BBC and other reliable media outlets stating last month that a medical was scheduled for the 26-year-old.
Zubimendi’s cryptic comments over his future since those whispers, combined with Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay denying how advanced the transfer was, did start to stoke worries that Real Madrid could hijack Arsenal’s deal.
Those fears were swiftly quelled by more credible reports that Arsenal were set to seal a deal for Zubimendi, and Romano has shared more good news on the matter in an update from the last 24 hours.
Taking to X, the journalist stated on Friday that Arsenal have now “completed” all the necessary paperwork with Zubimendi in London, and it’s all signed.
The Spain international will cost up to £56 million, slightly above his release clause, with Berta agreeing to pay the increased fee over installments.
Amid reports that Thomas Partey could be about to leave Arsenal following botched new contract talks, with Jorginho also joining Flamengo earlier this month, this comes as a very welcome boost for Arteta.
Zubimendi has stood out as one of La Liga’s best holding midfield players in recent years, and he’s finally set to end his stay at boyhood club Sociedad as he seals a long-awaited move to the Premier League, one year after he rejected a switch to Liverpool.
“Zubimendi is an extraordinary defensive midfielder,” said former Barcelona boss, Xavi, on Arsenal’s latest signing. “He understands the model we like at Barça, he dominates with and without the ball.”
