Real Sociedad can’t keep him forever. Five months after Liverpool had all but prised Martín Zubimendi away from Anoeta, Arsenal—ready to pay his €60 million ($62 million) exit clause—is reportedly on the verge of signing the midfielder, most probably moving to North London in the summer.
The Daily Mail has damaged development, with points of sale as ESPN that suggests that Arsenal leads the race. When obtaining the Spanish, the arsenal, dragging Liverpool at the call rate of the Premier League this season, would be his team, adding a call that shot the fame after helping the Red to beat England in the last of the championship European last year.
However, there is no transparent winner, despite the pedigree of the player involved.
In playing style, the shy number six—tenacious, smooth in possession, and adept at building the play—fits the Arsenal mold perfectly. And he will undoubtedly be convinced by Mikel Arteta’s ideas. The Gunners’ tactician is also a San Sebastián native, so both will be on a similar wavelength.
Then again, Zubimendi is perhaps too typical of an Arsenal player. Breaking teams down and finishing chances has often been the team’s Achilles heel, not midfielders capable of controlling the tempo of a game—already a strong point, even if Zubimendi’s defensive contribution would make a difference.
Although he can still sign an essential attacker before next season, 60 million euros ($62 million) for Zubimendi constitutes a large expense that he does not want, unless one or both of them, Thomas Party and Jorginho, do not increase their contract. . And walk out the door. This is even more true when we take into account profit and sustainability regulations.
It’s bittersweet for Liverpool.
On one side of the coin, some disappointment will linger over Zubimendi’s decision to reject the Reds in favor of La Real and now Arsenal. Liverpool’s approach in the market has been both strategic and opportunist; it’s bid handsomely for stars deemed a close fit (namely Zubimendi and Moisés Caicedo) and taken lower-risk gambles when the chance presents, as with Federico Chiesa. It wanted Zubimendi and perhaps still does.
Any frustration softens after a few months in the field. In Zubimendi’s position, Ryan Gravenberch, who is longer and more complete in running, has one of the most productive deep midfielders in Europe, saving Liverpool a few dollars per move. It’s not all bad for Arne Slot favorites.
As for the true society, there is an emotional explanation why for Zubimendi it will remain in account. Life: in a state of weakness. Desperate to remain himself and with Zubimendi satisfied to commit, he has since helped Txuri-urdin move up the table after a poor start to La Liga.
Exiting has always remained a possibility, however. Two months after Liverpool’s failed swoop, La Real extended Zubimendi’s contract until 2027, adjusting the salary to his loftier status in the first team but maintaining his €60 million ($62 million) price tag. Now, it seems prepared to cash in, with no shortage of admirers.
In Zubieta, Real Sociedad has one of the best academies in Spain and may unearth a replacement for Zubimendi, with bright sparks like Beñat Turrientes already coming through. €60 million ($62 million) is also a lot of money to spend on recruits, with the club not limited to homegrown players, as rival Athletic Club is. His exit would still sting, though. Zubimendi is one of its best players—truly one of its own.
It’s almost time for the festival in the city; January 20 is San Sebastian’s dinner and other people get together and beat the battery. The game of a much-loved local skill will be darker, but at least enthusiasts dressed in blue and white will be to enjoy it a little more.
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