Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad after agreeing to meet the £51m release clause in the Spain midfielder's contract. The 26-year-old is understood to be set for a medical, with personal terms finalised for his move to the Premier League.
Zubimendi, who turned down Liverpool last summer and had been linked with Real Madrid, has been Mikel Arteta's primary midfield target as Arsenal look to close the gap after three successive runners-up finishes. He will join fellow former Real Sociedad player Mikel Merino in north London next season.
The deal is expected to be Arsenal's first signing since Andrea Berta was appointed sporting director in March. Negotiations over the structure of payments for the release clause have been resolved. Berta has also held talks with representatives of Spain forward Nico Williams, who has a £58m release clause, with the club assessing attacking options.
Arsenal's next priority is a new centre-forward, with Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig and Sporting's Viktor Gyökeres the preferred targets. The club are also in discussions over contract extensions for Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, while Leandro Trossard is close to agreeing a new deal.
Thomas Partey is expected to sign an extension, potentially competing with Zubimendi for a starting spot, with Jorginho set to depart for Flamengo. Breakthrough academy stars Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri are also in ongoing talks over new contracts.
