Arsenal are poised to land long-term target Martin Zubimendi at the end of the season, according to Daily Mail.
The Real Sociedad star has been a priority for Mikel Arteta for over 12 months, with discussions for a summer transfer now at an advanced stage. Sources suggest that the deal is virtually complete.
While Arsenal’s current focus is on reinforcing their forward line due to long-term injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, the club has prioritised securing Zubimendi’s signing.
Although Arsenal would prefer to bring the midfielder in immediately, Real Sociedad have insisted that Martin Zubimendi remains in Spain until the end of the season.
Zubimendi, who chose to stay with Sociedad last summer despite interest from both Arsenal and Liverpool, is understood to have not received a formal offer from the Gunners in the previous window.
Manchester City have also expressed interest following Rodri’s season-ending injury, but Arsenal’s need for a new central midfielder has become more pressing, with Jorginho and Thomas Partey both set to be out of contract at the end of the season.
This urgency has accelerated Arsenal’s pursuit of Zubimendi.
No final decisions have been made regarding potential contract offers for Jorginho or Partey.
The Spain international has a €60 million (£51m) release clause, which Arsenal are expected to trigger.
Widely regarded as one of Europe’s top midfield talents, Zubimendi is a key player for Spain, and his signing would represent a significant coup for Arteta and Arsenal, especially given the interest from other top clubs.
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