Arsenal are reportedly close to finalizing a £51 million deal to sign Martin Zubimendi this summer, according to Sami Mokbel.
The Gunners have long admired the Spanish international and initiated their move to secure him for the 2025 season. However, the transfer will only be completed at the end of the current campaign.
Manager Mikel Arteta is eager to strengthen his midfield options following the signing of Mikel Merino last summer. Zubimendi is viewed as the ideal candidate for the defensive midfield role, and Arsenal now appear to have secured their target.
The Daily Mail reports that the deal is “virtually complete,” with only minor details remaining. Arsenal will trigger Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause, although Real Sociedad insisted on postponing the move until the summer, and the player is not pushing for an earlier transfer.
Previously, Zubimendi declined an opportunity to join Liverpool last summer, while Manchester City also expressed interest after Rodri’s injury earlier this season. However, with Thomas Partey and Jorginho’s contracts expiring in the summer, Arsenal have acted swiftly to outpace their rivals and are now expected to welcome Zubimendi to the Emirates Stadium in July.
With Zubimendi’s transfer nearly finalized, Arsenal are shifting their focus to bolstering their attacking lineup this month.
Bukayo Saka is sidelined until March following hamstring surgery, while Gabriel Jesus faces an extended absence after rupturing his ACL in the FA Cup loss to Manchester United. This leaves Raheem Sterling, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz as the only fit senior attackers, as Ethan Nwaneri is also out with a muscle
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