The decision is made.
As announced by Fabrizio Romano, Martin Zubimendi has verbally agreed to join Arsenal, becoming what many expect to be the club’s first signing of the summer. Personal terms? Settled. The next move? Arsenal must now trigger his £51 million release clause to make it official.
Liverpool tried. Real Madrid lingered. But it’s the North Londoners who finally persuaded the Real Sociedad ace to trade San Sebastián for the Emirates. A deep-lying playmaker with a sharp passing range and an unshakable calm under pressure, Zubimendi has long been touted as Spain’s next midfield general—especially in the absence of Rodrigo Hernández.
It’s not just about talent. It’s about timing.
Jorginho is walking away. Partey? Aging and injury-prone—though Arteta wants to keep him for the transition. The Spaniard’s arrival will likely see a slow handover, a wise move considering how even elite La Liga imports sometimes stall under Premier League lights.
But Arsenal aren’t just buying a midfielder. They’re buying control. Continuity. Character.
Zubimendi, who famously turned down Liverpool in 2024 to stay loyal to Real Sociedad, has now been convinced that Arsenal is the next step. The project is clearer. The ambition, louder. The dream, within reach.
And this dream is contagious.
With talks ongoing for a new striker and wide forward, the Gunners are not just strengthening—they’re reloading. Preparing not just for another top-four push, but for a title run that goes deeper. Zubimendi could be the rhythm behind it all.
He’s not here to replace. He’s here to lead what’s next.