Arsenal fans could be forced to wait a little longer for their first summer transfer signings.
The Gunners are reportedly working on multiple deals before Mikel Arteta’s squad return for preseason training at the start of July.
After finishing second in the Premier League for a third successive season, there’s a growing sense of the 2025/26 campaign being make-or-break for Arteta, as he aims to land a major trophy.
The club hierarchy will back the Spanish coach in the transfer market, with new sporting director Andrea Berta working closely with Arteta, to draw up a shortlist of targets.
A new striker is a key focus – following an injury crisis in attack at the start of 2025 – with Sporting CP goal machine Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko both linked with the Emirates Stadium.
However, one of Arteta’s long-standing targets is still on the radar, with Real Sociedad playmaker Martin Zubimendi ready to make his move.
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The Spain international infamously rejected a switch to Liverpool last summer – and despite a late push from Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid – the 26-year-old is ready to stick to his agreement with Arsenal.
When will Zubimendi join Arsenal?
This is the question on the minds of Arsenal supporters, as negotiations have been rolling on since the start of 2025, but there are two key roadblocks which Berta and Arteta have looked to navigate.
Zubimendi’s current La Real release clause is set at €60m [$69m], but in order to secure a structured payment plan, Arsenal have reportedly agreed to pay €70m [$80m].
That allows the club to pay off the fee in three annual blocks, rather than the full clause up front, which was Real Sociedad’s early demand.
As per reports from Diario AS, concerns over meeting Premier League rules on Profit & Sustainability [PSR] have also caused a delay as Arsenal look to remain in a positive financial position.
The report claims a deal will not be confirmed until July 1, to allow the fee to be added to the 2025/26 balance sheet, as opposed to the current one.
Remaining on the right side of PSR is vital for Arsenal and other EPL clubs following recent points deductions for rule breaches.
Why are Arsenal signing Zubimendi?
Arteta is on the hunt for a natural fit in the No.6 role with Jorginho moving on and doubts over Thomas Partey signing a contract extension.
The rumoured plan would be to anchor Zubimendi at the base of Arsenal’s midfield to allow Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice and Mikel Merino to push higher up the pitch.
Zubimendi finished in La Liga’s top five for progressive passes made by midfielders in 2024/25 – with 195Â – bettered only by Pedri, Rodrigo De Paul, Fede Valverde and Luka Modric.
Since 2019/20, Zubimendi also has the second-best success rate of any midfield in La Liga to contest 250+ aerial duels (66%) as per Squawka.
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