Andrea Berta’s first task as Arsenal chief is to finalize Real Madrid target Martin Zubimendi’s signing.
Andrea Berta will soon take charge as Arsenal’s new sporting director, and he has already been assigned his first team. According to a report from the Mirror, the Gunners want him to close the signing of Real Sociedad mainstay Martin Zubimendi, which has been in the works for months.
The Spanish international has come up the ranks at Sociedad and has been a part of their first team since 2020. The 26-year-old defensive midfielder has been a consistent performer for them over the years, and he was also a part of the Spanish team that triumphed at Euro 2024.
Following the end of the continental tournament, Zubimendi was heavily linked with a move to the Premier League. He looked set for a move away from his childhood club, but he eventually turned it down in favour of staying at Sociedad for another season.
He is enjoying yet another successful season at the Spanish club, but he might not be around next season. The 26-year-old seems all set for a move to a bigger club. Arsenal are confident about getting a deal over the line.
The Gunners have been interested in him for almost 18 months and stepped up their interest after signing Mikel Merino from Sociedad last August. The North London club have laid the groundwork for the deal and have tasked incoming chief Andrea Berta with ensuring its completion.
Real Madrid could cause problems for Arsenal
While the majority of the work is done, the Gunners fear Real Madrid’s intervention. Los Blancos also hold an interest in the 26-year-old, and they could make a late attempt to lure him to the Santiago Bernabeu. Matching the £51 million release clause won’t be a problem for them, and they can certainly turn the player’s attention, given their rich history.
Despite Los Blancos’ presence, Arsenal are optimistic that they will land Zubimendi in the upcoming transfer window thanks to the work they have put in. While Berta has yet to officially take charge, he has already started working in the background and is completely focused on ensuring they seal the signing of the Sociedad star.
The North London club are considering offering slightly above his release clause to spread the cost of the deal, making it more manageable amid the Premier League’s PSR regulations challenge.
