Secret Arsenal talks with LaLiga wonderkid as €60m deal agreed

Updated: 24 Jul 2026 18:43 BST | 4 min read

Tom Weber | Writer

Multilingual sports writer who specialises in European football and American soccer.

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Arsenal have made contact with Real Sociedad youngster Jon Martin, but he is unlikely to become their William Saliba replacement this summer.

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The Gunners are scouring the centre-back market due to the France international's long-term back injury. Saliba suffered a fracture at the World Cup and is expected to be sidelined for several months.

Arsenal are looking at potential market solutions, though it does not appear to be a pressing priority. After all, Cristhian Mosquera already showed last season that he is more than capable of deputising for Saliba.

Current ETV

William Saliba

D (C)

Arsenal

William Saliba

D (C)

Arsenal

ETV Range

€91.2M - €111.4M

Nevertheless, there are also external options for the reigning Premier League champions. John Stones, a free agent after leaving Man City, is one player currently being considered, as is Como star Jacobo Ramon and Aston Villa stalwart Ezri Konsa.

A fourth option, one that could have been a strong cultural fit for the growing Basque presence at Arsenal, would have been Real Sociedad prospect Jon Martin. However, the 20-year-old has just committed his future to his boyhood club.

Arsenal make Martin contact

On Thursday, Real Sociedad announced that the centre-back has put pen to paper on a long-term deal until 2032. Mundo Deportivo reported that this was done in order to deter interest from high-profile suitors, including Arsenal and Real Madrid.

In its Friday print edition, the Spanish outlet provided a little more information, revealing that these admirers didn't merely show their interest - they actually acted on it. Arsenal and Real Madrid have made enquiries, while Barcelona are lurking in the background.

However, Martin is going nowhere this summer. He didn't entertain the "tempting" approaches and is keen to continue his development in his hometown of San Sebastian. He could be on the move in the future, though.

Martin's new deal contains a €60 million release clause, which is an affordable fee for clubs like Arsenal and Real Madrid. Indeed, the Gunners signed fellow San Sebastian-native Martin Zubimendi, who also had a €60m buyout option, although they paid slightly more for better payment terms.

Like Martin and Zubimendi, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta also hails from San Sebastian, and there is a strong Basque presence at the club. Mikel Merino, who joined from Real Sociedad in 2024, was born in Pamplona in Navarre, which shares close cultural ties with the Basque Country.

Ultimately, Martin's decision to stay and continue his development in a familiar environment looks to be a shrewd one. According to data analytics firm SciSports, the 20-year-old has significant potential, but he is not yet at the level to play for a club like Arsenal.