Arsenal are gearing up for a transformative summer transfer window, with manager Mikel Arteta poised to wield a minimum of £100 million to reshape his squad into genuine Premier League title contenders. The Gunners, buoyed by a healthy financial position under the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, have set their sights on Real Sociedad’s midfield maestro Martin Zubimendi and a marquee striker to address their attacking woes. “We thought those days were gone whereby you can have this type of patience being afforded to you,” Arteta reflected, acknowledging the rare stability he enjoys despite five years without a trophy. This backing from the Arsenal hierarchy signals a bold intent to close the gap on rivals like Liverpool and Manchester City.
At the heart of Arsenal’s plans is Zubimendi, the 26-year-old Spanish midfielder whose £50.5 million (€60m) release clause the club is prepared to trigger as soon as the season ends. “Martin Zubimendi’s release clause is €60m, my understanding is that they might look to pay a bit more so that they can stagger the payments,” a source revealed, highlighting Arsenal’s strategic approach to secure the deal while preserving funds for additional signings. Zubimendi, long admired by Arteta for his ability to control matches from deep, is seen as the ideal replacement for aging midfielders Jorginho and Thomas Partey, both out of contract in 2025. “If Arsenal want to control matches from deep, Zubimendi is the answer,” an enthusiastic fan posted online, echoing the sentiment among Gooners that the Real Sociedad star’s arrival is a “done deal imminent.”
The pursuit of Zubimendi, virtually agreed upon, underscores Arsenal’s determination to outmaneuver rivals Liverpool and Manchester City, who have also courted the Spaniard. “Arsenal are set to splash £150m in this summer transfer window overhaul,” an insider claimed, with Zubimendi’s £50.5 million fee forming a significant chunk of the budget. His composure, passing range, and defensive nous make him a perfect fit for Arteta’s system, promising to elevate Arsenal’s midfield alongside Declan Rice. The club’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, has played a pivotal role, leveraging his La Liga connections to advance negotiations. “As far as we know, Martin Zubimendi is at a very advanced stage & the anticipation inside Arsenal is that he’s coming in,” a report confirmed, fueling optimism at the Emirates.
While Zubimendi’s signing is nearly secured, Arsenal’s search for a new striker remains a work in progress, with no single target yet finalized. The club’s attacking crisis, exacerbated by season-ending injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, has exposed their reliance on makeshift solutions like Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri. “Arsenal plan remains the same: find internal solutions and focus on big signing in the summer,” a source noted, with Arteta eyeing a prolific No. 9 to lead the line. Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres, with an £84.1 million (€100m) release clause but potentially available for £67.3 million (€80m), has caught Berta’s eye. “Andrea Berta has been very impressed with Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres,” an insider revealed. RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, valued at over £67.3 million, is another strong contender, though his wage demands of £200,000 a week could complicate talks.
Arsenal’s financial flexibility is bolstered by expected player sales, with Aaron Ramsdale, Reiss Nelson, and Emile Smith Rowe among those likely to depart, potentially generating an additional £50 million. “Arsenal are in a very healthy position with regards to the Premier League’s Profit & Sustainability Rules,” a report affirmed, giving Arteta room to pursue other targets like Bournemouth’s £50 million centre-back Dean Huijsen. The Gunners’ failure to sign a striker in January, coupled with their midseason injury crisis, has heightened the urgency to land a game-changer. “I’m glad that on Friday Mikel Arteta said in his press conference that they had gone backwards in the Premier League,” a pundit observed, noting Arteta’s candid admission of the need for improvement.
As the summer window approaches, Arsenal fans are buzzing with anticipation. Zubimendi’s imminent arrival promises to fortify the midfield, while the hunt for a striker—whether Gyokeres, Sesko, or a surprise name—could define their title aspirations. Arteta’s £100 million war chest, combined with Berta’s shrewd deal-making, positions Arsenal for a seismic overhaul. “It’s a great achievement, in 2025, to not win a trophy for five years and still be the manager at a top club that isn’t under pressure,” Arteta acknowledged, a testament to the faith placed in his vision. With Zubimendi and a new striker in his sights, Arteta is ready to turn that faith into silverware.
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