Boss Mikel Arteta has kept tabs on the Real Sociedad star for over a year and now appears to have got his man with talks now at an advanced stage ahead of a £51million switch.
Martin Zubimendi is closing in on a £51m switch to Arsenal
Martin Zubimendi is closing in on a £51m switch to ArsenalCredit: Getty
Arsenal requested that the 25-year-old move to the Emirates this month but La Real rebuffed the Gunners’ proposal and Zubimendi will remain in La Liga until the end of the season.
The defensive midfielder was part of Spain’s Euro 2024 winning side who edged past England in the final last July.
Zubimendi was targeted by Liverpool last summer but opted to remain at the La Liga club instead of moving to Anfield.
Liverpool subsequently pulled their interest in acquiring Zubimendi therefore handing the Gunners free reign to complete a deal.
The Spaniard has also been linked with a move to Manchester City in response to Rodri’s season-ending ACL injury.
The move could spell the end for Arsenal midfield duo Jorginho and Thomas Partey who are both out of contract this summer.
The club are yet to offer either player a new contract with Jorginho already eyeing up a move away from the Emirates.
Zubimendi has been in fine form for Real Sociedad over the past few seasons which has seen his stock steadily rise.
The Spaniard has featured 22 times for his club this season across all competitions, scoring once and will offer more defensive solidity 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.
Zubimendi played his part in Spain's Euro 2024 success
Zubimendi played his part in Spain's Euro 2024 successCredit: Alamy
Thomas Partey could be the one to make way for the incoming Zubimendi
Thomas Partey could be the one to make way for the incoming ZubimendiCredit
Saka’s hamstring injury is likely to keep him out of action until March, while the Brazilian has suffered a suspected Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury in Sunday’s FA Cup defeat against Manchester United.
Ahead of the final two-and-a-half weeks of the transfer window, Arteta said: “We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad. That’s been like that since day one.
“It would be naive not to do that. It’s an opportunity to improve the squad. We are looking. We are trying. Let’s see what we can do.”
The Gunners' domestic cup hopes have been dented in the past week following the 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final first leg defeat at home tpo Newcastle.
With the FA Cup no longer in their sights, Arteta's men must hone their attention on overturning the deficit at St James' Park next month.
Arsenal still have work to do to qualify for the Champions League round of 16 with games against Dinamo Zagreb and Girona to come this month.
Arteta faces a huge month ahead with Arsenal's injuries continuing to mount
Arteta faces a huge month ahead with Arsenal's injuries continuing to mountCredit:
Arteta's wounded side must quickly pick themselves up ahead of Wednesday's mouthwatering north London derby at home to Tottenham.
Arsenal sit six points adrift of leaders Liverpool having played a game more and defeat at Emirates could realistically end the Gunners' title charge.
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