Arsenal are finalising a deal to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, Sky Sports News understands.
There is still work to be done, but Arsenal have met the conditions of the £51m release clause in Zubimendi’s contract.
Once all the contractual details are sorted, the Spain international will take a medical before completing the move.
While a big priority in the window for Arsenal is signing a striker, a midfielder has always been high on the agenda.
Jorginho has confirmed he will leave the Gunners when his contract expires next month.
Zubimendi was close to joining Liverpool last summer, only to change his mind.
Zubimendi was a Liverpool target last summer
It is believed Arsenal made their interest known in the player then. However, they could not do a deal because of the number of midfielders they had in their squad.
Once Arsenal’s interest became apparent, it is thought the 26-year-old was happy to stay at Sociedad for another season before making the move to the Emirates.
A complete No 6? Why Arsenal want Zubimendi
Sky Sports’ Nick Wright:
Arsenal believe they are acquiring one of the world’s best holding midfielders in Martin Zubimendi and they are not the only ones. Having also been coveted by Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona, his elite credentials are clear.
Zubimendi won the European Championship with Spain last year and has thrived domestically as well as internationally, helping boyhood club Real Sociedad win silverware in the Copa del Rey and playing a key role in their return to the Champions League last year.
Here, Zubimendi’s former team-mates and coaches compare him to Xabi Alonso and tell Sky Sports what makes him one of the world’s best midfielders
Arteta to have at least £100m to spend this summer
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Nick Wright and Sam Blitz analyse all of Arsenal’s potential transfers as Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad in the summer
Sky Sports News’ chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol:
Arteta will have at least £100m to spend on transfers this summer, plus any funds raised from player sales.
Arsenal are in a very healthy position with regards to the Premier League’s Profitability & Sustainability Rules and they have money to spend in the summer window.
The club are also planning on refreshing their squad to generate further funds to invest in new signings.
Arsenal will also sign a striker this summer, but they have not yet narrowed down their options to one name.
New sporting director Andrea Berta has been very impressed with Sporting Lisbon’s Victor Gyokeres, but RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko also remains a target.
‘Arsenal will sign a striker this summer’
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The Football Show compares the form of Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko and analyse who would be more suited with a move to Arsenal
Sky Sports News’ chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol:
“We have heard Mikel Arteta that when Arsenal come calling, players most often say yes. They find it difficult to turn them down.
“I’m sure Zubimendi has been very impressed by what Mikel Arteta is doing at Arsenal.
“Arsenal are pressing ahead with completing a deal. He will become Arsenal’s first signing of the summer.
“Not the last. Arsenal will sign a striker this summer. I think they will sign a world-class striker, like Victor Gyokeres from Sporting or Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.
“It will be Zubimendi and a striker, as well as other players. Next season, Arteta wants to win the title. He has been putting pressure on the board.
“They will be active in the window.”
Zubimendi one of 78 players to watch in summer window
The transfer window is nearly upon us. Here we take you through 78 players – including Zubimendi – that could be on the move in what promises to be a busy summer.
Players to watch this summer in the transfer window
Sky Sports to show 215 live PL games from next season
From next season, Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage will increase from 128 matches to at least 215 games exclusively live.
And 80 per cent of all televised Premier League games next season are on Sky Sports.
Follow the transfer window on Sky Sports
The first of two summer transfer windows is upon us – and there is no better place than Sky Sports to get all the latest transfer news and rumours.
Use the Sky Sports app and website for all your updates on our dedicated Transfer Centre and Premier League club blogs plus live Q&As with our reporters throughout the summer.
The Transfer Show returns to Sky Sports News from Sunday June 1 for the start of the pre-Club World Cup window and will then be on every weeknight at 5pm and 7pm until the deadline on Tuesday June 10.
The summer transfer window will open again on Monday June 16 until Monday September 1 – with the deadline brought forward to 7pm this year.
