‘Here We Go’: Arsenal Seal Martin Zubimendi Deal With Installment Agreement

Arsenal have successfully secured the signing of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi in what is being hailed as a major midfield coup. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has confirmed the deal with his signature “Here we go,” revealing that Arsenal will pay slightly more than the €60 million release clause to Real Sociedad in exchange for a flexible installment-based payment structure.

The agreement marks the culmination of months of pursuit, as Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta identified Zubimendi as a priority target for the 2025/26 season. With his intelligence, composure on the ball, and positional discipline, the 26-year-old is viewed as a perfect fit for Arsenal’s system — offering both a deep-lying presence and the ability to control the tempo of games.

A Strategic Payment Pact

Rather than activating the release clause in one lump sum, Arsenal have opted to pay a slightly elevated fee that allows them to stagger payments over multiple windows. This approach was only possible due to the excellent relationship between Arsenal and Real Sociedad, which enabled constructive and cooperative negotiations.

Such a structure benefits both clubs: Arsenal maintain financial flexibility to pursue other targets this summer, while Real Sociedad receive a premium on the deal in return for their cooperation. For Zubimendi, who has already verbally agreed to join the Gunners, the move provides a new challenge at the highest level in the Premier League.

Arteta Gets His Man

Mikel Arteta has long admired Zubimendi, seeing him as a natural fit to sit alongside or rotate with Declan Rice in the heart of midfield. His tactical intelligence and ability to read the game align perfectly with Arteta’s possession-based style, and his experience in La Liga and Europe gives him the pedigree Arsenal are seeking as they look to take the next step domestically and in the Champions League.

With Jorginho’s contract expiring and Thomas Partey likely to depart this summer, the need for a technically adept, defensively sound midfielder became a priority. Zubimendi ticks all the boxes and brings with him the potential to be a long-term anchor at the base of Arsenal’s midfield for years to come.

What’s Next for Arsenal?

Now that the Zubimendi deal is “done and confirmed,” Arsenal will likely turn their focus to securing a new striker — with Benjamin Šeško and Viktor Gyökeres among the top names in consideration. A wide forward also remains on the wish list, particularly one who can play on the left to provide balance and support for Bukayo Saka.

But for now, Arsenal fans can celebrate the arrival of a key midfield reinforcement. Martin Zubimendi brings elite technical quality, leadership, and top-level experience. In many ways, this is not just a signing — it’s a statement. Arsenal are building not just for another title challenge, but for long-term European success.

Zubimendi will report for pre-season in North London, ready to become a core part of Arteta’s evolving machine.