EXCLUSIVE: Martin Zubimendi to become Arsenal's first summer signing

Arsenal are expected to make Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi their first signing of the 2025 summer window, FootballTransfers understands.

Posted Saturday, May 10, 2025 by footballtransfers

The Spain star has been identified as Mikel Arteta's priority midfield target and he is set to join international team-mates David Raya and Mikel Merino at the Emirates Stadium this summer.

FootballTransfers has been informed that Zubimendi has told Real Sociedad that he will leave the club once the 2024-25 campaign concludes, and he is expected to become Arsenal's first signing of the summer transfer window.

The Gunners hierarchy view Zubimendi as the perfect long-term replacement for Jorginho, who we understand will join Brazilian outfit Flamengo on a three-year deal when his contract at Arsenal expires in July.

Arteta's side have agreed personal terms with Zubimendi and the deal is expected to be announced at the start of June, barring any late complications.

The 26-year-old has made 44 appearances across all competitions for Real Sociedad so far this season, scoring two goals, and his Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) currently stands at €57.1 million.

Arsenal to sign Martin Zubimendi

In addition to Zubimendi, FootballTransfers understands that Arsenal are also eager to sign fellow Spaniards Joan Garcia (Espanyol) and Nico Williams (Athletic Club).

They will face significant competition for both players this summer, amid Manchester United's pursuit of Garcia and Chelsea's push to sign Williams, but Arsenal are hoping to land the duo.

Furthermore, the north London giants are also chasing Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres as they look to provide Arteta with a centre forward capable of firing the Gunners to the Premier League title next season.

We also understand that Arsenal are keeping tabs on the likes of Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa), Yarek Gasiorowski (Valencia), Liam Delap (Ipswich Town), Santiago Castro (Bologna) and Saba Kharebashvili (Dinamo Tbilisi).