Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is set to undergo a medical before completing his move to Arsenal, according to reports.
As reported by BBC Sport, the deal is close to being finalised, with all the relevant documents having been signed.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Zubimendi, who has a reported release clause of £51million, and Mail Sport reported earlier in the season that the Gunners had stolen a march on their rivals for his services.
The Spain international is set to become Arsenal’s first signing of the summer transfer window as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his options in midfield.
All payment structures regarding a deal for the 26-year-old have already been agreed between Arsenal and Sociedad.
A product of Real Sociedad’s youth system, Zubimendi has gone on to play 236 times for the club, while he has scored ten goals.
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is set to undergo a medical before joining Arsenal
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is looking to strengthen his midfield options this summer
Zubimendi won the Copa del Rey with Sociedad, while he has enjoyed success on the international stage with Spain, winning Euro 2024 and the 2022-23 edition of the Nations League.
He previously played with current Arsenal stars Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino at Sociedad and is international team-mates with David Raya.
With Jorginho leaving the club, Zubimendi’s arrival will add to Arsenal’s options in midfield.
Last year Zubimendi turned down the opportunity to join Liverpool but he will now get the chance to test himself in the Premier League.
It is expected that his arrival will reduce Arsenal’s reliance on Thomas Partey, who is in talks over a new contract.
Arsenal are also looking to bring in a striker during this transfer window.
The Gunners have been linked with Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig.
Arsenal will hope that their action in the summer transfer window will help them to finally get over the line next season.
Zubimendi played with Arsenal stars Mikel Merino (left) and Martin Odegaard (centre) at Sociedad
Arteta’s team have finished in second place in the Premier League for the past three campaigns, while they made it to the semi-finals of the Champions League this season but were eliminated by PSG.
Zubimendi, 26, is viewed as one of the leading midfield talents in European football and is a key player for Spain.
It will be a crucial summer for the north London side, who will look to bridge the gap and finally win the Premier League after twice playing second fiddle.
They have been widely linked with a number of forward options as the Gunners potentially look to at last solve their issues up top, having relied on stand-in No 9s for the last two seasons with Gabriel Jesus regularly on the sidelines injured.
