Arsenal Close to Signing Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad
Arsenal are on the verge of signing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, according to Sky Sports News. The Gunners have met the conditions of the £51m release clause in Zubimendi’s contract, and the two clubs are now working on finalising the deal.
Once all the contractual details are sorted, the Spain international will take a medical before completing the move. Sky Sports News understands that while there is still work to be done, the deal is progressing well.
Zubimendi was close to joining Liverpool last summer, only to change his mind. However, Sky Sports News reports that Arsenal made their interest known in the player then, but could not do a deal because of the number of midfielders they had in their squad.
The 26-year-old was happy to stay at Sociedad for another season before making the move to the Emirates. Sky Sports’ Nick Wright believes that Arsenal are acquiring one of the world’s best holding midfielders in Martin Zubimendi.
“Arsenal believe they are acquiring one of the world’s best holding midfielders in Martin Zubimendi and they are not the only ones,” Wright said. “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.
Mikel Arteta to Have Significant Transfer Budget
Sky Sports News’ chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol reports that 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.
Zubimendi to Become Arsenal’s First Signing of the Summer
Solhekol believes that Zubimendi has been very impressed by what Mikel Arteta is doing at Arsenal. “I’m sure Zubimendi has been very impressed by what Mikel Arteta is doing at Arsenal,” Solhekol said.
“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.”
Arteta wants to win the title next season and has been putting pressure on the board. Solhekol reports that Arsenal will be active in the window, with Zubimendi and a striker, as well as other players, set to join the squad.
The transfer window is nearly upon us, and Sky Sports has identified 78 players – including Zubimendi – that could be on the move in what promises to be a busy summer.
In related news, Sky Sports’ Premier League coverage will increase from 128 matches to at least 215 games exclusively live from next season. And 80 per cent of all televised Premier League games next season are on Sky Sports.
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