The football transfer window is always full of surprises, and this summer is no different. While most clubs deal with speculation and negotiation twists until the final hour, Real Madrid has built a reputation for always getting their man—Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham are prime examples. However, this time, Los Blancos find themselves on the losing side of the transfer drama.
Real Madrid were heavily linked with Real Sociedad’s midfield anchor, Martín Zubimendi, for months. Even the club’s likely next head coach, Xabi Alonso, was reportedly keen on bringing the Spanish international to the Santiago Bernabéu as part of his new project.
But Arsenal had other plans.
According to renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Zubimendi is set to join Arsenal this summer in a move that could cost the Gunners around €60 million, meeting his full release clause. The 26-year-old defensive midfielder is said to have finally agreed to the move, influenced in part by his national teammate Mikel Merino.
Zubimendi, who previously rejected a last-minute deal with Liverpool to stay loyal to Real Sociedad, was seen as a top priority for Real Madrid after their pursuit of Trent Alexander-Arnold. Despite the Spanish giant’s interest, the midfielder will now head to the Premier League.
The Daily Mirror reports that Zubimendi will sign a long-term deal with Arsenal, becoming a central figure in Mikel Arteta’s squad reshuffle.
However, not all Arsenal fans are thrilled. Many had hoped for a high-profile striker signing to address the team’s scoring woes. Instead, Arteta is reinforcing the midfield with a defensive focus, which has sparked mixed reactions across the fanbase.
Still, the acquisition of a player of Zubimendi’s calibre—especially by beating Real Madrid to his signature—is a significant statement of intent from Arsenal in this transfer window.
