Arsenal’s £51M Move for Martin Zubimendi Faces Late Twist from Real Sociedad

Martin Zubimendi transfer – Arsenal remain the front-runners to land Martin Zubimendi in a high-stakes £51 million transfer from Real Sociedad—but a familiar twist could delay or derail the move once again.

For months, the Martin Zubimendi transfer has seemed like a matter of when, not if. The Spanish midfielder has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, with Arsenal leading the chase this summer. But if history is anything to go by, the Gunners may still have to sweat it out.

Just last year, Liverpool were in Martin Zubimendi transfer position, reportedly close to sealing a deal for Zubimendi. However, a heartfelt appeal from Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil saw the midfielder remain in San Sebastián, opting to help his boyhood club in the Champions League rather than chasing a new adventure.

This time, it’s Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay pulling the strings. According to Spanish outlet El Desmarque (via Sport Witness), Aperribay has asked Zubimendi to reflect on his future while on international duty, hinting at another emotional plea to keep the player grounded at home.

“We’ve told Martin to go to the national team calmly, to think about it, and we’d like him to stay,” said Aperribay. “We know there are several options. Something may come to fruition or not… I don’t see it happening in the short term. We have to wait and see.”

Zubimendi is expected to join Spain’s squad for the UEFA Nations League semifinals in June, and Arsenal are keen to finalize the deal before then. If not, the Martin Zubimendi transfer saga could stretch well into the summer, especially if Sociedad manage to once again appeal to Zubimendi’s loyalty.

Back in 2024, Alguacil’s heartfelt pitch emphasized local pride, Basque heritage, and even cuisine—persuading Zubimendi to reject Liverpool. The tactic worked, as he stayed another season despite growing interest abroad.

“Liverpool is a historic and great club, and the fact a player like Martin said ‘no’ is a reason to be proud,” Alguacil reflected. “That means things are being done well at the club.”

Despite Zubimendi’s decision to stay last year, Real Sociedad couldn’t hold on to all of their key talent. Midfielder Mikel Merino joined Arsenal, while defender Robin Le Normand moved to Atlético Madrid. Sociedad’s campaign suffered, finishing a disappointing 11th in La Liga and crashing out of the Europa League to Manchester United in a 6-3 aggregate defeat, highlighted by a Bruno Fernandes hat-trick.

All signs still point to Martin Zubimendi transfer this summer—but Real Sociedad are determined to delay the inevitable. Until pen hits paper, Arsenal fans will be holding their breath.

Martin Zubimendi transfer

Related: Real Sociedad, Arsenal