According to Fabrizio Romano, Martin Zubimendi, pillar of Real Sociedad, will indeed be a Gunners next season. Eager to strengthen their midfield, the Londoners have reached an unprecedented agreement with the Basque club: they undertake to pay more than the release clause of 60 million euros, or nearly 70 million, in order to be able to spread payment over several years. This decision, the fruit of an excellent agreement between the two directions, allows Arsenal to preserve its financial flexibility while securing a player courted by the European gratin, including Real Madrid.
Zubimendi, 26, is considered one of the best defensive environments on the old continent, recognized for reading the game, his technical reliability and his discreet leadership. With 236 appearances in the Real Sociedad jersey and 19 selections with Spain, he imposed himself as a master to play, capable of fluidating recovery and providing stability in the midfield. His profile corresponds perfectly to the expectations of Mikel Arteta, who sees in him the ideal successor of Thomas Partey and the dream complement for Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard.
End of the dream for Xabi Alonso, who had in any case been put on the fait accompli by Florentino Perez. Indeed, the president of Real Madrid did not wish to align with the Liberating clause of Xabi Alonso, believing that he has enough talent in Real.
