Arsenal are expected to win the race for him mark Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is on course for a £51million deal next summer, according to a report.
Zubimendi has been the subject of great interest for years. The technically gifted controller who operates at the heart of Real Sociedad's midfield notoriously despised Liverpool last summer decided to stay at his boyhood club to develop as a player.
After another six months of consistently impressive performances in the Spanish top flight, Zubimendi is now ready for a departure.
Liverpool maintained an interest in the 25-year-old and Manchester City had identified him as one possible replacement for his compatriot Rodri. even Real Madrid joined ever-growing list of suitors, but Arsenal appear to have beaten off their arch-rivals.
The Gunners have agreed to activate the £51m release clause in Zubimendi's contract, with a move “virtually complete” according to Daily Mail. Despite Arsenal's desire to bring the Spaniard to London this month, Real Sociedad have insisted on keeping their star until the summer.
Many would argue that a young midfielder should not be Arsenaltransfer priority of. Gabriel Jesus could be bypassed out for the rest of the season with a knee injury sustained in last weekend's FA Cup defeat to Manchester United, adding to the absence of fellow strikers Bukayo Saka and Ethan Nwaneri.
Arteta admitted the club are “actively looking at the market to improve the squad” but they are constrained by more than the usual restrictions of the winter window. With Neto and Raheem Sterling already out on loan, Arsenal cannot sign any more on loan from Premier League clubs for the rest of the season.
While Zubimendi will not solve ArsenalLacking his distinct edge – he has scored a total of nine goals throughout his senior career – he will provide a youthful replacement for the departing midfield duo of Thomas Partey and Jorginho, both of whom are out of contract in the summer .