Arsenal are reportedly on the verge of completing a deal to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League
Arsenal are reportedly on the brink of securing a deal for title rivals Liverpool’s former priority transfer target Martin Zubimendi.
The 25-year-old Real Sociedad midfielder was previously rumoured to be making a Premier League move during the summer, but ultimately remained in Spain. Reports suggested the Spaniard declined an offer from the Premier League leaders, while the Gunners also showed interest in acquiring him.
Despite speculation about a potential transfer to the Emirates Stadium last January, no deal came to fruition. However, it now appears that a move to north London is imminent, with the Daily Mail suggesting that Zubimendi will join Arsenal at the end of the season.
The report indicates that negotiations are well underway and a deal is ‘virtually completed’. It’s understood that Arsenal would prefer an immediate transfer, but Real Sociedad are adamant that he stays until the season concludes.
Zubimendi reportedly has a release clause around £51million, which Arsenal have agreed to activate. Mikel Arteta is expected to sign a new midfielder as Jorginho and Thomas Partey’s contracts expire in the summer. Whether they’ll be offered new contracts remains uncertain, with Arsenal yet to make a final decision.
Following news of Gabriel Jesus’ severe knee ligament injury, the north London club may also be in the market for a new striker before the month ends.
Arsenal are reportedly eyeing a loan deal to bolster their squad, but they’ll have to cast their net beyond the Premier League since Neto and Raheem Sterling are already filling the club’s domestic loan slots.
Speculation suggests that a permanent singing could be on the cards, provided the price tag is considered ‘fair and achievable’.
When pressed about potential new additions in Monday’s press conference, boss Mikel Arteta revealed: “My answer remains the same, we are actively looking in the market to improve the squad.
“We are looking, we are trying. The fact that I love a lot my players, we cannot think about improving our players. We have to believe that we will bring in something that will make us better.”