Arsenal Edge Closer to Finalising First Summer Signing in £51m Deal | OneFootball

Arsenal Close in on Zubimendi as Real Madrid Pursue Rodri

As Arsenal gear up for another critical summer in their pursuit of silverware, a quiet victory may already be unfolding behind the scenes. The Gunners’ long-standing interest in Martin Zubimendi appears to be moving towards completion, with Real Madrid — once rumoured as potential hijackers — shifting their focus elsewhere.

According to Cadena SER, “Real Madrid has a second option, which is Zubimendi. The problem is that Arsenal appears to have more than just contact with the Spanish player.” That sense of advanced negotiations, in place since last summer, could now allow Mikel Arteta to bolster his midfield with a key addition.

Zubimendi, currently with Real Sociedad, is seen as a natural fit for Arteta’s system. With a €60 (£51.4) million release clause, he offers proven LaLiga quality and international experience, all while still approaching the peak of his powers at 26.

Photo IMAGO

Madrid Shift Attention to Rodri

Much of Arsenal’s relief stems from Real Madrid’s pursuit of another Spaniard — one who already commands a midfield: Rodri. The Manchester City metronome, widely regarded as the best defensive midfielder in world football, has emerged as Los Blancos’ top target.

Cadena SER confirmed the shift: “Obviously, they like [Zubimendi] and know him, but he’s not a priority option, quite the opposite of what Arsenal are saying.” The priority, instead, is Rodri — “the ‘chosen one’ at Real Madrid,” as reported.

Madrid’s midfield is transitioning. With Toni Kroos now retired and Luka Modrić entering the final stages of his illustrious career, recruitment is essential. Yet rather than opting for Zubimendi, who might mirror Kroos in elegance and control, Madrid seem fixated on replacing dominance with dominance — and Rodri offers that in abundance.

Zubimendi Deal Far Along

Arsenal’s pursuit of Zubimendi has been methodical, patient, and perhaps more secure than many outside the Emirates realised. Cadena SER again underlined the Gunners’ standing in the deal: “Arsenal considers the Real Sociedad player to be very advanced (if not outright finalised) since last summer.”

While some reports, notably from FootMercato, suggested Zubimendi might prefer a move to Madrid, the practicalities of that switch now appear distant. Not only is Rodri the preferred choice, but Madrid are also said to have lingering doubts about Zubimendi’s suitability for their midfield model.

Photo: IMAGO

Arsenal, on the other hand, see him as an ideal piece in their tactical puzzle: someone who can dictate tempo, protect the defence, and offer positional awareness — all while operating with minimal fuss.

City’s Uncertain Future a Factor

It is worth noting that Madrid’s interest in Rodri may also be influenced by broader Premier League dynamics. With Manchester City still facing potential punishment from the Premier League over Financial Fair Play violations, Madrid could seize an opportunity should uncertainty grow.

Rodri, close friends with Madrid’s Dani Carvajal, could be tempted by a return to Spain — though prising him from Pep Guardiola’s system would require far more than charm and connections. That difficulty only reinforces Arsenal’s growing confidence in securing Zubimendi.

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From an Arsenal fan’s perspective, this feels like a rare moment of calm amidst transfer chaos. For months, it’s been clear that Arteta sees Zubimendi as a long-term solution in midfield — someone to rotate with or eventually replace Jorginho, and partner Declan Rice in a system that demands positional discipline and tactical intelligence.

The concern, naturally, was Real Madrid entering the fray. Their allure is timeless. Their midfield needs are obvious. But as Cadena SER reports, Arsenal have been ahead in this race for some time — and now it seems the finishing line is within reach.

Zubimendi isn’t the headline-grabbing name, but he is the kind of player who makes winning teams tick. He rarely gives the ball away, breaks up play smartly, and has experience in European competition.

Rodri might be Real Madrid’s dream, but Zubimendi is very much Arsenal’s reality — and if this deal crosses the line, it’s another sign of how far the club has come under Arteta. Smart, strategic, and signed early. Just what the Emirates needs ahead of another title charge.