Journalist Fabrizio Romano has disclosed that Arsenal will spend more than €60 million (£51 million) to acquire Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. Since the two clubs have a great relationship, the Gunners are apparently going to spend a little more than the “world-class” Spanish international’s release clause. The greater sum will allow them to pay in installments.
Zubimendi is anticipated to sign a contract shortly, which might make him Arsenal’s first summer acquisition. During his five years with Real Sociedad’s first squad, the Euro 2024 winner has emerged as one of the world’s top holding midfielders, and he was strongly linked to leaving last summer.
Champions of the Premier League Zubimendi was on the verge of joining Liverpool about a year ago, but he chose to turn down Merseyside’s interest out of loyalty to his home team. Zubimendi will now join Arsenal as Declan Rice’s new midfield partner and to replace Jorginho, who left for Flamengo earlier this month.
Fabrizio Romano says Here We Go as Zubimendi signed to Arsenal
Zubimendi will soon be relocating to North London. “Arsenal will pay slightly more than the €60m release clause as part of the pact with Real Sociedad for the Martin Zubimendi deal,” Romano writes on X. The cost will be somewhat more, but since clubs get along so well, payments can be made in installments. “Here we go, verified.”
In order to facilitate their financial management, Arsenal has chosen to pay more than Zubimendi’s release price. The Gunners would have had to make a complete upfront payment for the Spain star in order to initiate the release fee. By agreeing to pay a little bit more for the player, they may spread out these payments over time, which will ease the financial burden of such a significant transfer.
Reports that negotiations for midfielder Thomas Partey’s new contract have stalled coincide with the announcement that Zubimendi is leaving for Arsenal. “A new contract between Arsenal and Thomas Partey is not progressing,” Romano had reported earlier on Thursday. There has been no agreement thus far, and there are now real opportunities to split up in the next days.
