Monday’s briefing: Arsenal sign Zubimendi but no Vardy party at Rangers yet

Jul 7, 2025 2 min read
Arsenal have signed Martin Zubimendi (John Walton/PA)
Arsenal have signed Martin Zubimendi (John Walton/PA)

Arsenal did some impressive transfer business with the capture of Martin Zubimendi while Russell Martin was quiet on speculation he is trying to bring Jamie Vardy to Rangers.

Gunners bring in Zubimendi

Arsenal have signed midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.

The Spain international, 26, moves to the Emirates Stadium on a long-term deal after the Gunners reportedly triggered his £51million release clause.

Euro 2024 winner Zubimendi had previously been a target for Liverpool and was also linked with Real Madrid.

Zubimendi told the club website: “This is a huge moment in my career. It’s the move I was looking for and one I wanted to make. As soon as you set foot here, you realise how big this club and this team are.

“I set my sights on Arsenal because their style of play is a good fit for me. They have shown their potential recently and the best is yet to come.”

Hemp knows the score

Lauren Hemp in action for England
Lauren Hemp in action for England (Adam Davy/PA)

Forward Lauren Hemp insists England know what is at stake when they play the Netherlands on Wednesday as they bid to keep their European title defence alive.

The Lionesses’ backs are against the wall after suffering an tournament-opening 2-1 defeat to France to set up what is already being billed as a “must-win” meeting with 2017 champions the Netherlands.

“This team, a lot of the time, we thrive under pressure,” said Manchester City forward Hemp. “Obviously it’s one of those situations. Every game we go into, we want to win.

“From how we acted in the last 10 minutes (against France), we know what’s at stake, and obviously we want to get as far as we can.

“We are reigning champions. It is important to remember that and gain confidence from that.”

Martin quiet on Vardy

Jamie Vardy in action
Jamie Vardy is a free agent after leaving Leicester (Nigel French/PA)

Russell Martin refused to be drawn on reports linking Rangers with a move for former England and Leicester striker Jamie Vardy.

The 38-year-old forward, who has seen a move to Genoa fall through, has now been heavily touted for a switch to Ibrox after leaving the Foxes at the end of last season.

Recently appointed Rangers boss Martin remained coy but refused to dismiss the prospect, when asked after his side’s 2-2 pre-season friendly draw at home to Club Brugge on Sunday if Vardy was a target.

“I think I’ve been asked about so many players,” he said. “Some miles away, some on the money. So basically, I’m not going to give you an answer on that.

“But I guess you’ll find out who’s real and who’s not in the next few weeks.”

What’s on today?

In the women’s Euros, Spain continue their Group B campaign against Belgium, while Portugal take on Italy.

Great! Next, complete checkout for full access to Football Mad | FPL League, Premier League News & Banter.
Welcome back! You've successfully signed in.
You've successfully subscribed to Football Mad | FPL League, Premier League News & Banter.
Success! Your account is fully activated, you now have access to all content.
Success! Your billing info has been updated.
Your billing was not updated.