Report: Arsenal Looking To Pay More Than Zubimendi’s Release Clause

By The Editor
on 16th January 2025

Arsenal looking at flexible Zubimendi deal…

Arsenal are reportedly looking to pay more than Martin Zubimendi’s release clause in order to facilitate better payment terms as we look to finalise a deal for the midfielder, David Ornstein reports.

Reports emerged this week that Arsenal are in advanced talks to land the Real Sociedad midfielder in the summer with the deal made simpler due to the presence of a £51 million release clause in his contract.

Zubimendi has been heavily linked with us for several years but his lack of desire to leave San Sebastian often halted the development of a potential move.

The 25-year-old was close to joining Liverpool last summer but ultimately decided to stay which was a boost to Sociedad given the fact that they lost Mikel Merino to us.

Now, with Thomas Partey and Jorginho out of contract in June, Arteta has revisited one of his primary targets and looks like he’s close to getting his man.

According to David Ornstein, with personal terms all but sewn up and Zubimendi keen on the move, Arsenal may look to pay more than the £51 million clause in favour of better payment terms.

Release clauses in La Liga require the entire fee to be paid up-front – in addition to VAT – and that would put a dent in our PSR balance sheet. Staggering the payments will give us room to do other business in the summer as we look to revitalise our attack.