David Ornstein provides exciting update on Arsenal's Martin Zubimendi pursuit

The trusty David Ornstein reports that Arsenal's move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is already at a 'very advanced stage' ahead of a summer transfer.

While the Gunners fatally failed to make a single move during the January window, we did learn of the club's strong interest in Zubimendi and their desire to bring the Spaniard in ahead of the 2025/25 campaign.

Zubimendi has proven to be a loyal servant to Sociedad having developed through the club's academy and plying his trade in the reserve teams before making his first team debut in 2019. The 26-year-old has blossomed into one of Europe's most sought after midfielders, with Liverpool desperate to sign him last summer.

His decision to stay in San Sebastian opened the door for Arsenal in 2025, and Ornstein's latest update suggests Zubimendi may well be their first addition of the all-important summer window.

Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal already at a 'very advanced stage'

In his latest Q&A on The Athletic, Ornstein was asked about the reports suggesting that incoming sporting director Andrea Berta wants to bring in both Zubimendi and Bruno Guimaraes this summer.

While the journalist believes Arsenal won't be able to bring both players in, he did supply a positive update on the club's pursuit of the Spanish midfielder. "Zubimendi is at a very advanced stage," he said. "The anticipation inside Arsenal is that he’s coming in. That deal would be a significant financial outlay, as would any move for a striker."

Arsenal are expected to make a couple of midfield moves this summer due to Jorginho and Thomas Partey's likely departures following the expiry of their contracts in June. Zubimendi seems to be another talent courted by Mikel Arteta, with the boss reportedly discussing a potential deal with the holding midfielder while negotiations were ongoing with Mikel Merino last summer.

The 26-year-old is not having the best of seasons amid a down year for Sociedad, who recently exited the Europa League at the hands of Man Utd. However, his profile is comparable to Jorginho's and Zubimendi's body of work across multiple La Liga campaigns would suggest Arsenal are signing a mightily intelligent footballer with a well-rounded skill set. There are concerns over his athletic ability and his capacity to defend the transition, but Arteta's imperious defensive structure should mask such flaws.

In order to get the deal over the line swiftly, Arsenal will likely trigger the £51m release clause inserted into Zubimendi's Sociedad contract.

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