Transfer window challenges continue For Arsenal Despite Landing La Liga Midfielder | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Transfer Ambitions Begin with Zubimendi, but Tougher Decisions Await

Zubimendi’s Arrival Signals Arsenal’s Midfield Intent

The image of Martin Zubimendi touching down in London may have been expected, but it carried weight. After months of strategic planning behind the scenes, Arsenal have landed the Real Sociedad midfielder in a deal exceeding his €65 million release clause. The excess payment, as revealed, grants Arsenal a more favourable structure for the instalments, a subtle yet shrewd move that speaks volumes about the club’s long-term planning.

“Despite Zubimendi being linked with a switch to Real Madrid, Arsenal have considered this deal done for several months,” reads the original report from The Athletic. For Mikel Arteta, the addition of the 26-year-old Spain international is less about replacing anyone and more about evolution. The midfield pairing of Declan Rice and Zubimendi offers balance, press resistance and vertical passing — essential qualities if Arsenal are to take the final step towards a Premier League title.

But as Arteta looks ahead to a brutal start to the 2025/26 campaign — trips to Old Trafford, Anfield and St James’ Park all before the end of September — there’s a growing urgency. Arsenal’s head coach, ever the tactician, will not want to enter such a gauntlet with a squad still searching for reinforcements.

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Setbacks in the Market Narrow Options

Targets are slipping away. Dean Huijsen is now a Real Madrid player. Bryan Mbeumo, long admired for his blend of pace and composure, has made clear his preference for Manchester United. Nico Williams appears bound for Barcelona and Leroy Sané is reportedly set to join Galatasaray.

“A number of potential targets favoured by Arteta appear set to be playing their football elsewhere next season.” The market is moving quickly and Arsenal risk being left behind. They have alternatives, but as the options dwindle, urgency threatens to be replaced by compromise.

Rodrygo, Nico Williams and Anthony Gordon remain in the frame. Each offers something different — Rodrygo with his flair and Champions League experience, Gordon with his directness and Premier League know-how, and Williams with his explosive ability on the break. Whether Arsenal can secure any of them remains to be seen.

Reinforcements Between the Posts and Up Front

Next on the agenda is Kepa Arrizabalaga, expected at London Colney this week to finalise his £5 million move from Chelsea. “Aside from the announcement of Zubimendi, Arsenal’s next significant arrival is likely to be goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.” His role will be as understudy, but a vital one. Arteta knows the importance of strength in every position, and Aaron Ramsdale will benefit from competition.

Further forward, the need for a prolific No 9 is clear. Names like Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyökeres continue to surface, though neither will come cheap. Arsenal know that to bridge the gap to Manchester City, firepower is not optional.

Questions Remain over Departures and Partey’s Future

Gabriel Martinelli’s future remains stable — for now. “Martinelli is happy at Arsenal and has two years remaining on his contract.” But if a significant offer were to arrive, the club may reassess their stance. That’s the nature of this window: fluid and opportunistic.

In contrast, Thomas Partey’s situation feels more precarious. His contract expires in a matter of days and while both sides have held talks, no agreement has been found. Arsenal are reportedly considering Lucien Agoumé of Sevilla as a potential replacement. Whether they can find value in that space, with Partey likely leaving for nothing, remains a delicate issue.

Back-up keeper Karl Hein could also be on his way out. After an impressive loan spell in Spain, La Liga sides have shown interest, and Arsenal are open to offers — permanent or temporary.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

For Arsenal fans, this summer feels like the calm before a storm. The arrival of Zubimendi has been celebrated, especially given his technical quality and football intelligence. It feels like a statement. Arsenal mean business.

But the excitement is tempered by realism. We’ve seen before how long negotiations can drag, and with so many targets moving elsewhere, there’s a worry that Arsenal could fall short in key areas. The links to Rodrygo and Gordon are exciting, but whether either materialises is unclear.

Kepa as a second-choice keeper makes sense, especially given Ramsdale’s patchy form last season. But supporters are watching the No 9 situation closely. Sesko would be a dream, Gyökeres a worthy gamble, but the market is volatile.

What’s encouraging is that Arsenal are clearly planning. The deals are structured smartly. There’s vision here. The worry? The clock is ticking and rivals are strengthening fast. With games at Old Trafford, Anfield and Newcastle looming, Arsenal need to finish their business early and decisively.