Martin Zubimendi’s summer transfer from Real Sociedad to Arsenal appears to be all but confirmed after Fabrizio Romano announced that a deal had been reached between the two parties – but why is Mikel Arteta’s side paying above his release clause to secure the first signing of their transfer window?
Zubimendi, a 19-cap Spain international, will most likely join the dependable Declan Rice and captain Martin Odegaard in the middle of the park as Arsenal attempt to break their long trophy drought.
Why Arsenal Paid Over the Odds for Zubimendi
Gunners set to part ways with £55m for the midfielder
After rejecting Arne Slot at the turn of the year, the Real Sociedad engine room enforcer remained with his hometown club for the balance of the 2024/25 season, despite interest from fellow La Liga team Real Madrid.
As one of the most sought-after midfielders in international football, much has been made of Zubimendi’s future, and according to The Athletic, his move to the Emirates Stadium is as good as ‘done and signed’. It’s just a matter of time.
According to The Athletic’s Los Blancos journalist Mario Cortegana, club officials are big fans of the ground eater, but not enough to actively pursue his signing.
According to the source, Arteta – widely considered as one of the top managers in international football – and his entourage would pay around €65 million (£55 million), which is more than the release clause in his La Real contract.
The Gunners, whose recruitment process is currently led by Sporting Director Andrea Berta, are paying more than his release clause in order to stretch the payments over time, relieving PSR concerns.
Such strategies, which are used by many clubs in England and elsewhere, allow Arsenal to avoid paying his entire release clause in one go, giving them more wiggle room for other prospective signings before the conclusion of the summer trading window.
Paying Zubimendi’s whole release clause in one go would have limited Arsenal’s striker market options. Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig has been identified as their first objective, and CaughtOffside reports that an agreement has been reached.
Only goalkeeper Alex Remiro played more Spanish top flight minutes than the midfielder in 2024/25, and his availability will be welcomed by Arsenal fans, who won their last major trophy in the 2019/20 FA Cup against Chelsea.
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