Arsenal are reportedly plotting a move for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi in the summer of 2025, with the Gunners hopeful they can secure the highly rated midfielder where Liverpool previously failed.
Zubimendi, who was identified as the ideal ball-playing pivot by Liverpool’s new manager Arne Slot last summer, has become one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe. But despite Liverpool’s efforts and a €60 million bid, the Spanish international opted to remain with La Real.
So why do Arsenal believe they can succeed where Liverpool couldn’t? The Gunners, with manager Mikel Arteta at the helm, are closely monitoring Zubimendi’s situation, convinced that their project may appeal more than Liverpool’s at this stage. Arteta is known for his tactical flexibility, and adding a deep-lying playmaker to his ranks would give him another dimension in midfield—something Zubimendi could certainly provide.
Zubimendi: A Tactical Fit for Arsenal’s Midfield
At the heart of Arsenal’s interest is the belief that Zubimendi would be an ideal fit to strengthen their midfield. The 24-year-old has impressed with his ability to control the tempo of the game and is a player who can build from deep with precision passing and intelligent positioning. These qualities align perfectly with Arteta’s philosophy, which demands fluidity in transition and creativity from deeper midfield roles.
This isn’t just a move to add depth, either. Zubimendi would be seen as an upgrade over Jorginho, who has performed admirably but is still viewed as somewhat of a stopgap solution at Arsenal. Adding Zubimendi to a midfield already featuring the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Ødegaard would give Arteta more tactical options in the middle of the park, potentially making Arsenal’s midfield one of the most well-rounded in the Premier League.
Zubimendi’s Commitment to Real Sociedad and Why 2025 Might Be the Right Time
One of the main reasons Liverpool’s pursuit of Zubimendi failed was due to his strong emotional ties to Real Sociedad. The midfielder is a product of the club’s academy and has always spoken fondly of his homegrown roots. In 2024, Real Sociedad was facing the departures of key figures like Robin Le Normand, who joined Atlético Madrid, and Mikel Merino, who was linked to Arsenal. In that context, Zubimendi felt it was not the right moment to leave, especially with the club’s squad in transition.
However, reports suggest that the summer of 2025 may present a different scenario. Zubimendi could be ready to take the next step in his career, and the departure of key players from Sociedad may have helped prepare him for the transition. If the right offer comes in, he may feel that moving on is the best way forward, especially as Real Sociedad will have had more time to rebuild and strengthen their squad.
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media
Arsenal’s Strategic Advantage Over Liverpool
For Arsenal, the window of opportunity seems to be wide open, especially as they monitor Zubimendi’s potential availability. One significant factor in Arsenal’s favour is the belief that the Gunners could offer a more “viable destination” than Liverpool at this stage. Liverpool, under Arne Slot, are still finding their rhythm in terms of squad building, and while the Reds’ vision is appealing, Arsenal’s recent success and progress under Arteta could tilt the balance in their favour.
There’s also the attraction of joining a team that is regularly competing at the top of both domestic and European football. Arsenal’s plans for the future appear promising, with the club building for sustained success under Arteta’s management. For Zubimendi, that could make Arsenal a more attractive proposition than Liverpool, who are still navigating the aftermath of their squad overhaul.
The Challenge of Reentering the Race: Liverpool’s Dilemma
Liverpool’s failure to land Zubimendi last summer has certainly stung. The club had earmarked him as their No. 1 target to bolster their midfield, and it seemed like the perfect fit for Slot’s system. Yet, with the player opting to stay put, Liverpool must now weigh whether it is worth re-entering the race for his signature. A move for Zubimendi could still be on the cards, but there is a risk of being snubbed for a second time.
If Liverpool chooses not to pursue the player again in 2025, they will risk watching Arsenal swoop in and land a player they had heavily targeted just a year earlier. That would certainly be a bitter pill to swallow, especially with Zubimendi being such a highly-rated commodity across European football.
The Role of Manchester City: An Emerging Threat
While Arsenal may seem like the front-runners, they aren’t without competition. Manchester City have also set their sights on Zubimendi, particularly in light of Rodri’s long-term injury. City are actively searching for a replacement to fill the void left by the Spanish midfielder, who suffered an ACL injury in September. Zubimendi is seen as a viable candidate to fill that role, and Manchester City’s financial clout could give them an edge in any potential bidding war.
The Premier League champions have been linked with a move for Zubimendi in January, with reports suggesting they are prepared to trigger his €60 million release clause if necessary. If City does make their move this winter, it would throw a serious spanner in the works for both Arsenal and Liverpool. However, it remains to be seen whether Zubimendi would be willing to leave Real Sociedad midway through the season, or whether he would prefer to move in the summer window when the timing feels right for both him and his current club.
Zubimendi’s Release Clause and Potential Complications
Zubimendi’s release clause, set at €60 million, is not as straightforward as it may seem. Unlike a traditional clause that can be activated by any club at any time, the release clause requires the player to actively push for a move. This could be a complicating factor for any suitor, as Zubimendi would have to express his desire to leave in order for the clause to be triggered.
For Arsenal, this could present an obstacle if Zubimendi is reluctant to make that move. If he decides to remain at Real Sociedad for another season, Arsenal’s plans may be thwarted. Similarly, Liverpool, still nursing the wounds from their previous pursuit, may find it difficult to convince Zubimendi to leave in the face of increasing competition.
Conclusion: A Key Battle for the Future of English Football
The race for Martin Zubimendi’s signature in 2025 promises to be one of the most intriguing transfer sagas in English football. With Arsenal, Liverpool, and potentially Manchester City all vying for the midfielder’s services, it will be fascinating to see where the player’s future lies. For Arsenal, securing Zubimendi would be a major coup in their pursuit of continued success under Arteta, and they will certainly hope to capitalize on Liverpool’s previous setback.
As for Liverpool, the decision will be difficult: risk another failed pursuit or concede a crucial advantage to their Premier League rivals? With Manchester City lurking as well, the competition is fierce, and the coming months will undoubtedly provide more clarity on where one of Spain’s brightest midfield talents will end up.
