Arsenal are close to finalizing the signing of midfielder Martin Zubimendi – but he won’t arrive until the summer, The Pitch Prospect understands.
Boss Mikel Arteta has been keeping an eye on the Real Sociedad star for over a year and now appears to have his man in advanced stages of talks over a £51million move.
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Arsenal demanded the 25-year-old move to the Emirates this month, but La Real rejected the Gunners’ proposal and Zubimendi will remain in La Liga until the end of the season.
The defensive midfielder was part of the Spanish team that won Euro 2024, beating England in the final last July.
Zubimendi was targeted by Liverpool last summer but chose to stay with the La Liga club rather than move to Anfield.
Liverpool then withdrew their interest in acquiring Zubimendi, giving the Gunners free rein to complete a deal.
The Spaniard has also been linked with a move to Manchester City in response to Rodri’s season-ending cruciate ligament injury.
The move could spell the end of Arsenal midfield duo Jorginho and Thomas Partey, who are both out of contract this summer.
The club has yet to offer any player a new contract, with Jorginho already considering a move away from the Emirates.
Zubimendi has been in good form for Real Sociedad in recent seasons and his value has steadily increased.
The Spaniard has played 22 times for his club in all competitions this season, scoring once, and will add more defensive strength to Arteta’s side.
The Gunners are likely to turn their attention to bolstering their attacking options with injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.
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Saka’s hamstring injury is likely to keep him out of action until March, while the Brazilian is believed to have suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in Sunday’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester United.
Ahead of the final two-and-a-half weeks of the transfer window, Arteta said: “We are actively looking at ways to improve the squad. It’s been like this since day one.
“It would be naive not to do that. It’s an opportunity to improve the squad. We are looking for. We’re trying. Let’s see what we can do.”
The Gunners’ domestic cup hopes were dented last week by a 2-0 home defeat in the first leg of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle.
With the FA Cup no longer in their sights, Arteta’s men must turn their attention to overturning the deficit at St James’ Park next month.
Arsenal still have a lot of work to do to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League. This month there are games against Dinamo Zagreb and Girona.
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Arteta’s battered side will need to bounce back quickly ahead of Wednesday’s mouth-watering north London derby at home to Tottenham.
Arsenal are six points behind leaders Liverpool, have played a game longer and defeat at Emirates could realistically end the Gunners’ title race.