Arsenal continue to move with quiet confidence in the summer window. Their focus remains fixed on improving midfield depth and technical quality. With Euro 2024 now concluded and the spotlight shifting back to club football, Artetaand his new collaborator Andrea Berta are setting the tone early. The Gunners had been circling Martin Zubimendi for some time, but earlier attempts to lure him to north London lacked traction. Now, with Berta added to the setup and the player himself open to a move, the situation has changed. This deal has been a slow burn, but it is finally gathering momentum at just the right moment.
According to a fresh report from TBR, Arsenal have reached a full agreement with Martin Zubimendi regarding personal terms. The midfielder looks set to join from Real Sociedad this summer. The Gunners have admired him for well over a year, but negotiations hadn’t progressed until recently. Berta’s arrival appears to have made the difference. The former Atletico sporting director quickly engaged with the player’s camp, and that contact has paid off. Arsenal now have the green light from Zubimendi’s side. They’ve also begun talks with Sociedad about settling the fee, which is expected to match his £51 million release clause.
Andrea Berta helped Arsenal sign Martin Zubimendi
Berta is fronting those discussions, and confidence is growing that the deal will be completed in the coming weeks. Zubimendi, now 26, has become a regular with the Spanish national team. He’s developed into a composed, tactically aware holding midfielder. Sociedad wanted to keep him last summer, and he agreed to stay on. But now, the timing suits both him and Arsenal. With two years left on his contract, Sociedad know they will lose him eventually and may prefer to cash in now rather than stretch talks into August.
It’s a smart move by Arsenal. Zubimendi plays with maturity and discipline, and his profile suits Mikel Arteta’s system. He reads the game well and rarely loses the ball. That helps control games, especially against low blocks. The timing of this deal also suggests Arsenal have a clear plan for life after Thomas Partey. The Ghanaian midfielder has struggled to stay fit and his contract situation invites uncertainty. Zubimendi won’t just provide depth—he will likely walk straight into the starting XI if Partey departs. There’s also the broader message this sends.
Arsenal now have the kind of structure in place that lets them move fast and decisively for players of this quality. Berta’s influence already seems clear. If he helps the club finish this transfer smoothly, it may be the first of several. Zubimendi’s decision to join a Premier League side signals growing faith in Arsenal’s project. He had options. He waited a year. And now he’s chosen north London. That’s significant. With Rice already excelling as the heartbeat of the team, adding Zubimendi next to him makes perfect sense. It gives Arsenal more control and structure in midfield. And more importantly, it keeps them competitive in a league that punishes hesitation.
