Arsenal are nearing the signing of Martín Zubimendi but may avoid paying his £51 million release clause in a single payment, according to David Ornstein.
Reports on January 15 indicated that the Gunners are close to completing the deal, with suggestions that the release clause could be paid [Daily Mail]. The Spanish midfielder, previously linked with Liverpool last summer, now appears set to join Mikel Arteta’s side.
However, Ornstein has suggested that Arsenal might opt to “stagger payments” by paying slightly more than the release clause, allowing for financial flexibility in future transfer windows.
In a video update on X, Ornstein explained: “The release clause in his contract is €60 million (£51m). My understanding is that Arsenal might consider paying a bit more to spread the payments over time, enabling them to make other signings next summer.”
Arsenal must also prioritize signing a forward
A one-time payment of £51 million would strain Arsenal’s finances, given the squad’s other pressing needs. While Alexander Isak remains a priority for the summer, his transfer is likely to exceed £115 million, potentially breaking the British transfer record.
Ornstein’s update sheds light on Arsenal’s strategy, particularly with Gabriel Jesus sidelined by injury and Bukayo Saka also unavailable. Reinforcements are crucial, especially with Thomas Partey’s contract set to expire at the end of the season.
If Arsenal can stagger Zubimendi’s payment structure, they could still afford to pursue a forward this January, even if it means slightly overpaying for the midfielder. However, it remains uncertain whether a high-impact forward will join to boost Arteta’s squad this season.
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