Transfers

Fabrizio Romano: “Here We Go!” – Arsenal’s First Summer Signing Confirmed

Arsenal Close in on Midfield Reinforcement as Zubimendi Deal Nears Completion

Arsenal have taken a major step toward bolstering their midfield by reaching a verbal agreement to sign Real Sociedad stalwart Martin Zubimendi. As per the ever-reliable Fabrizio Romano, the Gunners are preparing to activate the Spanish international’s €60 million release clause, securing a player Mikel Arteta has admired for several seasons.

“Arsenal agree deal to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, here we go! Zubimendi has now verbally agreed to sign a long-term deal… so formal steps must follow soon with Arsenal to trigger €60m clause. Zubi, ready to become the first signing of the new season,” Romano reported via X.

This development marks a strong signal of intent from the north London club as they seek to maintain momentum after reaching the Champions League semi-finals in 2024.

Zubimendi’s Profile: What Arsenal Are Getting
At 26, Zubimendi brings maturity, elite experience, and a calmness in midfield that Arteta values immensely. A product of Real Sociedad’s youth system, the midfielder has made over 230 appearances for the club. In the 2024/25 season alone, he featured 44 times, registering two goals and two assists.

Yet his contribution is more about control and positional intelligence than raw statistics. Known for his defensive stability and efficient ball progression, he serves as a true metronome in the middle of the park. His style is often compared to that of Sergio Busquets — a compliment not lightly given.

The plaudits don’t stop there. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente labelled Zubimendi as the “second-best player in the world”, a bold endorsement that underscores the esteem he’s held in within national team circles.

Arsenal’s Midfield Evolution
It’s no secret that Arsenal have sought to reinforce their central areas. With Granit Xhaka long gone and Thomas Partey’s injury record remaining a concern, there’s a clear need for reliable, high-calibre options in midfield. Declan Rice has been a revelation since his arrival, and Zubimendi’s deep-lying presence could allow Rice to venture further forward in certain systems.

Under Arteta, the Gunners are tactically fluid, often shifting shapes in and out of possession. Zubimendi’s intelligence and positional discipline make him an ideal candidate to anchor the base of midfield, allowing more creative players the freedom to flourish.

Importantly, this isn’t a signing made out of desperation but one born from strategic foresight. Arsenal have scouted the Spaniard for several windows, and the timing — fresh off a Champions League run — couldn’t be better.

Competition and Conviction
The move is all the more significant considering Arsenal were not alone in their pursuit. Liverpool had long admired Zubimendi, with both Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot expressing interest at various points. That Arsenal have convinced the midfielder to choose them instead speaks volumes about the club’s project and trajectory.

Born and raised in San Sebastian, Zubimendi’s decision to leave his boyhood club after years of loyalty suggests this is a move he believes in deeply. Arteta’s vision, the allure of Premier League football, and the opportunity to compete at the highest level seem to have tipped the scales.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis
As an Arsenal supporter, this news feels like another cornerstone moment in the club’s resurgence under Mikel Arteta. Zubimendi isn’t just any signing — he’s a statement.

To land a player with over 230 top-flight appearances and international pedigree, especially one who’s so tactically astute, is nothing short of thrilling. What excites most fans is the balance this move brings: Zubimendi is the kind of midfielder who makes everyone else better. He reads danger, recycles possession, and executes the basics with elite consistency.

While many fans dream of flashy names, true football lovers know that titles are won by those who control the centre of the pitch. This is a midfield general who can command games quietly but effectively, and having him behind someone like Declan Rice or Martin Ødegaard is a dream scenario.

At €60m, the price isn’t cheap — but in today’s market, it feels like shrewd business for a player entering his peak. It also shows that Arsenal are no longer a stepping stone or rebuilding side; they’re now a destination.

If this deal is finalised — as Fabrizio Romano confidently indicates — fans should feel immense optimism heading into the new campaign. Zubimendi may not generate headlines like a striker or winger, but he might just be the missing piece in Arsenal’s title puzzle.

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Related Topics:Arsenal Transfer Fabrizio Romano

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Transfers

Arsenal Hijack Man Utd Move For £62m Bundesliga Star

Arsenal are now leading Premier League rivals Man Utd the race to sign Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi, according to reports.

The Gunners invested heavily over the summer with eight new players brought to the Emirates Stadium at a cost of over £250m.

Arsenal now have two good players in most positions with their squad depth now up there with the best in the Premier League.

However, the Gunners are still looking to strengthen their squad even further with rumours on Friday that they could add yet another central midfielder to their ranks.

And now our friends at TEAMtalk insist that Arsenal may sign a new attacker in the January transfer window with Adeyemi at Dortmund in their sights.

Adeyemi has been in and out of the Dortmund team since moving to Germany from RB Salzburg in 2022 with the 23-year-old often played as a right winger, centre forward or as an attacking midfielder.

READ: Premier League mood rankings as Liverpool drop a full 15 places!

The Germany international caused a stir in recent weeks when he threw a drinks bottle at the dugout when he was substituted by Niko Kovac in a recent 1-0 win over Cologne.

Addressing the incident, Kovac told reporters: “I think that’s unnecessary. It’s okay that he can be angry sometimes, but that’s unnecessary, he’s an adult.”

A report in German newspaper Bild claimed earlier this week that the relationship between player and coach is ‘strained’ and that Man Utd had ‘entered the fray’ to attempt to take advantage of the situation.

It is claimed that Jorge Mendes’ appointment as the German’s new agent ‘adds further urgency to the situation’ with the Bundesliga side ‘aware that if Manchester United shows serious interest, Adeyemi’s future in Dortmund could become an issue sooner than many would like’.

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Premier League

Luis Saha Warns Manchester United Over Potential Adam Wharton Signing

Former Manchester United forward Luis Saha has advised caution regarding the club’s reported interest in Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, warning that the young English star could come with a hefty price tag.

Manchester United’s Interest

The Red Devils are in the market for a combative midfielder. Last summer, they pursued Carlos Baleba but failed to secure the transfer, with Brighton reportedly demanding over £100 million. Reports suggest Manchester United have since turned their attention to Wharton, with manager Ruben Amorim being a big admirer of the Palace talent.

Wharton’s steady rise in the Premier League has caught the eye of top clubs, but Saha believes that the hype around young players can lead to inflated transfer valuations.

Saha’s Warning

Speaking to OLG, Saha urged the Red Devils to be prudent in their approach:

“I think Adam Wharton is a young lad. I do think that sometimes you have to be careful with those big signings. I consider this new market to be extremely dangerous for clubs because you can see the hype that goes up and then you’re left surprised.

“It took a bit of time for Moises Caicedo to settle at Chelsea as well, so there are big signings and sometimes the expectations are too high. You have to really read under the lines and that’s not easy. People can throw big numbers. The agents are very pleased with that. I am not a big fan of this.”

Saha’s caution highlights the challenges Premier League clubs face when chasing young talents in today’s inflated transfer market.

Stay tuned to Sports Market International for the latest updates on Manchester United transfer news and Premier League developments.

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Premier League

Man Utd Weighing Up €60m Move For Stuttgart Star Angelo Stiller After Years Of Scouting

Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller in action during Bundesliga match as Manchester United eye transfer move

Manchester United are reportedly weighing up a summer move for Stuttgart and Germany international midfielder Angelo Stiller, valued at around €60 million ($53m).

According to reports, Stiller is part of a six-man shortlist prepared by manager Ruben Amorim, who is keen to strengthen the team’s midfield following a turbulent 2024–25 campaign that saw the Red Devils finish 15th in the Premier League without a trophy.

Amorim’s Midfield Mission

Amorim had previously targeted Brighton’s Carlos Baleba in the last transfer window, but the deal failed to materialize. United’s management, led by director of football Jason Wilcox, has now reignited long-standing interest in Stiller.

Wilcox has reportedly tracked the 23-year-old midfielder for years, pushing internally for the club to make a move. Stiller’s current contract with Stuttgart runs until 2028, but the Bundesliga side plan to buy out his €2m release clause, setting his valuation between €50m and €60m (£44m–£53m).

Deal More Likely In Summer 2026

While Amorim is eager to strengthen the midfield immediately, any move for Stiller is unlikely to happen in January. United are expected to delay negotiations until next summer, given their recent heavy spending and ongoing financial balancing efforts.

Wharton Cool On Transfer Talk

Another name on United’s radar, Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace, has downplayed recent transfer rumours linking him to Old Trafford. Speaking to The Athletic, Wharton said:

“I don’t really look into it or think too much about it… United and the big teams are linked to 10 or 20 different players. If I’m one of 20, then it’s nothing special.”

For now, Manchester United’s transfer radar remains active, but Angelo Stiller has clearly emerged as a priority long-term target — a player the club sees as the key to rebuilding their midfield engine.

At Sports Market International, we continue tracking the biggest football market trends and transfer stories — keeping you ahead in the global sports conversation.

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