Arsenal receive MAJOR update in Real Madrid battle for first summer transfer

Arsenal are confident that they can wrap up their first signing of the summer transfer window imminently even with late interest from Real Madrid threatening to thwart their plans.

The Gunners are already have one eye on their transfer business with Liverpool set to beat them to the Premier League title, although Mikel Arteta’s side are hopeful they can still win a historic Champions League trophy this season.

While Arteta’s business will largely be focused on securing attacking talent such as Nico Williams and Viktor Gyokeres, a large amount of their resources is expected to be spent on Martin Zubimendi, who has a €60 million release clause at Real Sociedad.

Arsenal felt they had secured a major coup after reportedly agreeing terms to sign Zubimendi this summer but reports on Spain had claimed that Real were ready to hijack a deal that was on the verge of conclusion.

However, ESPN report that Real’s interest has not impacted the transfer, with Arsenal’s deal for Zubimendi said to be ‘advanced’ and likely to be wrapped up at the end of the season.

Real’s interest could intensify if they hire Xabi Alonso as Carlo Ancelotti’s replacement, with the Bayer Leverkusen manager said to be keen on Zubimendi’s signing if he joins, however that appointment is still being negotiated, giving Arsenal a clear path to their top target.

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Arsenal making progress on midfield revamp with attacking transfers lined up

Arteta has long-admired Zubimendi and the 26-year-old’s signing would be a huge boost to Arsenal’s midfield, with Jorginho likely to depart upon the expiry of his contract this summer.

Thomas Partey’s contract is also set to expire, leaving Arsenal light in midfield and potentially needing another signing after Zubimendi, however the 31-year-old is now on course to pen a new deal at the Emirates Stadium.

Wrapping up the transfer of Zubimendi as well as Partey’s extension would likely be Arsenal’s only business in midfield, allowing them to focus on securing Arteta’s attacking targets.

Williams and Gyokeres are thought to be favourites of new Gunners director Andrea Berta and approaches for the pair could be lined up soon after the season’s end, although FootballTransfers exclusively learned this week that Ipswich’s Liam Delap is also a target for Arsenal up front in a hotly-contested transfer battle.

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