€60m release clause 

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It’s been a tough period for Arsenal and looks like being a huge transfer window for the Gunners, with the team seriously short of attacking options due to long-term injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus. However, breaking news has emerged this Tuesday that Arsenal ‘virtually completed’ a deal to sign Spain international midfielder Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in a deal that will take place next summer. This Tuesday Mail Sport reported that Arsenal will land their long-term target at the end of the season, with the midfielder having been courted by Mikel Arteta for over 12 months. The reports suggest talks over a summer move are now at an advanced stage, with sources indicating the deal is all but signed. 

The Spain star is understood to have a €60million release clause which Arsenal will formally trigger, and will add much-needed depth to a position the Gunners could be left short on, with ageing stars Jorginho and Thomas Partey in the last six months of their contracts. Zubimendi is viewed as one of the most talented midfielders in European football right now, and has a current market value of €60m. So just why is Arteta determined to add Zubimendi to his ranks? We’ve analysed the Euro 2024 winner with expert analysis from Spain. 

Rumour
	M. Zubimendi
	Defensive Midfield
Real Sociedad   88 % Arsenal LaLiga Premier League

Why do Arsenal want Martín Zubimendi?

Arsenal have had an ageing midfield now for sometime and have had to rely on Jorginho and Partey in their 30s. Whilst Declan Rice is a supreme talent, Arteta seems to prefer him in the no.8 box-to-box midfielder role, with the Englishmen looking slightly less comfortable on the ball in the no.6 role. The Gunners signed Zubimendi’s Real Sociedad team-mate Mikel Merino in the summer, but the 28 year old has failed to have much of an impact at the Emirates thus far. Zubimendi could represent a serious upgrade in the heart of Arsenal’s midfield.

The Spain international excelled after replacing Rodri at half-time against England in the Euro 2024 final and he’s perfect for Arteta’s possession-based philosophy. Zubimendi possesses exemplary technical skills and he’s incredibly press-resistant – an increasingly important quality for teams aiming to dominate the ball. While he’s not a physical specimen, Zubimendi is extremely intelligent and capable of intercepting play – he’s even been compared stylistically to Sergio Busquets.

“He is probably the best central midfielder in La Liga,” said Iván Fuente, La Liga expert at Transfermarkt. “He is very precise with his passing and he’s able to break lines with the ball while under pressure. He is heir to the dynasty of Spanish midfielders such as Xabi Alonso, Busquets, and Rodri – although he is less physical than all of them. He can win the ball back well but it is very difficult to steal it from him. He showed his level in the Euros final and he’d be a good signing for any top team, especially for those who want to keep the ball.”

Zubimendi chose to stay in Spain last summer despite interest from both Arsenal and title-rivals Liverpool, though it is understood the Gunners didn’t make a formal offer for the player during the previous window. There has also been reported interest in Zubimendi from Manchester City following the season-ending injury suffered by Rodri. Arsenal will now also focus on strengthening their forward options this month as they look to cope with a worrying injury list.

Manager Arteta said this week: ‘We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad. That’s been like that since day one. “It would be naive not to do that. It’s an opportunity to improve the squad. We are looking. We are trying. Let’s see what we can do.”  Zubimendi, however, is perfectly happy at his boyhood club and it’s understood that it required an ambitious project to entice him from San Sebastian, as he’s reportedly turned down potential moves last summer. “I think only a good offer from a top team could get him out of Anoeta,” Fuente added. “He is from San Sebastian and enjoys playing for his hometown club.”