Arsenal’s impressive run of form on the pitch has been overshadowed by a growing off-field dispute involving summer signing Martin Zubimendi. The midfielder, who joined from Real Sociedad, is now at the centre of a £700 million legal battle that has erupted between his former club and youth side Antiguoko.
The Gunners ended October in spectacular fashion, winning all six of their matches without conceding a single goal. As Mikel Arteta’s men prepare for a Premier League clash with Burnley, attention has turned to the financial row surrounding Zubimendi’s transfer.
The disagreement stems from an unpaid fee that Antiguoko claims it is owed following the Spaniard’s move to north London. The youth club alleges Real Sociedad has failed to honour an agreement that entitled them to 5% of any future transfer involving the player, estimated to be worth around £870,000. According to Antiguoko, the Basque giants have refused to pay despite collecting the full transfer fee from Arsenal.
The relationship between the two Spanish clubs has reportedly deteriorated, with accusations of bad faith and mistreatment. Antiguoko’s management has expressed frustration, claiming that Real Sociedad is using local territorial laws to restrict smaller clubs in the region. They insist that the unpaid funds are crucial for maintaining their academy and nurturing young talent. Legal proceedings have already been launched as Antiguoko seeks to recover the amount through administrative courts.
While the legal battle unfolds, Arsenal remain focused on maintaining their winning momentum. Arteta has built a disciplined and united squad, with new arrivals like Zubimendi playing a key role in the team’s balance and control. The dispute, however, underscores the complex financial networks that underpin modern football transfers and the growing tension between grassroots academies and professional clubs.
In other developments, attention at Arsenal has also turned to 15-year-old Max Dowman, who made history by starting against Brighton in the Carabao Cup. Pundits have tipped the young midfielder for a bright future but believe he will eventually need a loan move to gain consistent playing time. With talents like Bukayo Saka blocking his path, Dowman’s development will require careful management to ensure he fulfils his immense potential.
As Arsenal chase trophies, off-field complexities like the Zubimendi dispute highlight how even the most successful clubs face challenges beyond the pitch.
