Arsenal clinched a significant transfer coup on May 10, 2025, finalizing a £51 million deal to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, outmaneuvering Real Madrid and Liverpool for the Euro 2024 winner’s signature.
The 26-year-old Spaniard, set to join in June 2025 after completing the LaLiga season, will bolster Arsenal’s midfield alongside Declan Rice, addressing the impending departures of Thomas Partey and Jorginho, whose contracts expire in 2025. However, the move sparked frustration among Arsenal fans, who prioritized a top-class striker to address the team’s 1.8 goals-per-game average following their Champions League semi-final loss to PSG.
Zubimendi, a San Sebastian native with 198 appearances for Sociedad, brings a 90% pass accuracy and 60% duel win rate, earning praise as the “next Rodri” for his metronomic holding role. Arsenal triggered his €60 million release clause after months of negotiations, with Mikel Arteta, also from San Sebastian, leveraging cultural ties to secure the deal. Real Madrid, viewing Zubimendi as a Luka Modric successor, hesitated at the fee, while Liverpool’s summer bid was rejected by the player, who initially prioritized staying in Spain. Arsenal’s $80 million transfer budget, boosted by Champions League semi-final revenue, covered the deal, though taxes may push costs to $70 million.
Fans, expecting a forward like Alexander Isak or Viktor Gyökeres, voiced discontent, as Arsenal’s 10 draws from winning positions highlighted their 25% shot conversion rate. Zubimendi’s signing, his only goal this season from a set-piece, aligns with Arsenal’s league-leading 12 set-piece goals but doesn’t address their 40% reliance on Bukayo Saka for creativity. With a $900 million squad value, Arsenal’s 80% unbeaten home record faces tests against Manchester City and Liverpool, where Zubimendi’s 95% tackle success rate could prove vital. Arteta’s gamble, backed by 70% of analysts, aims to solidify midfield for a 2025-26 title push, though 60% of supporters demand a $100 million striker investment.