Arsenal are all set to win the race for the services of Liverpool and Real Madrid midfield target Martin Zubimendi.
According to a report from the Daily Mail, Arsenal are closing in on the signature of their long-term midfield target Martin Zubimendi. He is expected to make the move to North London club after the end of the season as the deal is virtually complete.
The Gunners have been quite active in the ongoing transfer window. With Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus out injured, their priority should be to bring in a new forward. But, instead, they have been focused on securing the services of Zubimendi.
Mikel Arteta is a huge admirer of the Spanish international and has been considering incorporating him into his team for over 12 months. The Gunners were interested in him during the summer window. While they didn’t make a move back then, the North London club have finally taken formal steps towards signing him.
The Spanish manager would have loved to have him at his disposal for the second half of the season but Real Sociedad have made it clear that Zubimendi is going nowhere mid-season. While his contract at the La Liga outfit runs until the summer of 2027, an exit next summer is almost certain.
With Jorginho and Thomas Partey’s contract running out at the end of the season and no major development on that front, the Gunners do need to bring in a new midfielder. As a result, they have intensified their efforts to sign Zubimendi.
Arsenal beat Liverpool and Madrid in the race
The report suggests Arsenal are all set to acquire his services next summer and they will formally trigger the €60 million (£51m) release clause in his contract. The North London club have managed to beat Liverpool as well as Real Madrid to his signature.
While the Gunners didn’t make a move last summer, the Reds were on the verge of signing before he decided to continue at Sociedad. The Merseyside club were looking for a new number six and he was their top priority.
Meanwhile, Los Blancos are also interested in his services as they look for more quality in the centre of the park. With Luka Modric likely to leave at the end of the season and Aurélien Tchouaméni not consistent enough, Zubimendi has been quite high on their wishlist. But, it seem they will have to look elsewhere.