‘World-Class’ Star Saying Bye to Teammates After Agreeing to Join Arsenal

Martin Zubimendi has bid farewell to his Real Sociedad teammates as his move to Arsenal edges closer, AS journalist Marta Gonzalo has revealed.

The Spanish midfielder’s arrival at the Emirates is now nearing completion after the clubs agreed on a package worth just over his €60m (£51m) release clause, with an official announcement expected in the coming days.

Zubimendi will leave the San Sebastian club after five seasons with the first-team squad and will reunite with former teammates Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard in North London.

The ‘world-class’ 26-year-old will sign a long-term contract with the Gunners and could soon be announced as their first signing of what promises to be a busy summer for Mikel Arteta.

Martin Zubimendi Set to Join Arsenal

Real Sociedad exit nearing completion

Arsenal’s offseason business has gathered pace in recent days, with deals for Zubimendi, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and fellow midfielder Christian Norgaard nearing completion.

The Gunners are aiming to bolster squad depth amid several looming departures, including that of Thomas Partey, whose contract expires this week.

The North London club are also targeting defensive reinforcements, with talks now at an advanced stage for the arrival of Valencia defender Christian Mosquera.

According to Fabrizio Romano, the promising centre-back has already agreed personal terms with Arsenal, with club-to-club negotiations ongoing over a deal potentially worth more than €20m (£17m).

Zubimendi has emerged as one of Europe’s top holding midfielders in recent seasons and previously turned down a move to Liverpool last summer.

The 26-year-old leaves Real Sociedad having made 236 appearances for his boyhood club, scoring 10 goals and providing nine assists.

Martin Zubimendi’s Real Sociedad Stats (2024/25 La Liga)
Games	36
Goals	2
Assists	1
Goal-creating actions	6
Minutes played	2,962

Sign up to The GIVEMESPORT Report to get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox.