Talks ongoing: Arsenal now convinced they'll sign "world-class" player by June - talkSPORT

Arsenal are now convinced they'll sign a "world-class" player by June, with talks ongoing for what would be new Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta's first deal since arriving in the Premier League.

Andrea Berta's transfer wishlist as Arsenal plan "big" summer

Mikel Arteta recently admitted that the north Londoners are set for a "big" summer following Berta's official appointment late last month, with hundreds of millions potentially available for the Italian to bolster Arsenal's squad.

arsenal-emirates-stadium

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GiveMeSport stated in the last few weeks that Arsenal could orchestrate a summer investment of around £300 million in as many as seven new arrivals before next campaign, including a back-up goalkeeper, full-back, two midfielders, a left-winger, right-winger and a striker.

Arsenal's next five Premier League games

Date

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Arsenal lost out to Liverpool in the Premier League title race this year by some distance, with Arteta and Berta aiming to mount a far more successful challenge for the club's first domestic crown in over two decades next term.

Reinforcing Arteta's engine room is seen as a key aim for Berta in particular, with midfield duo Thomas Partey and Jorginho both set to leave on free deals this summer as their contracts expire on June 30th.

Arsenal-Partey

There are some suggestions that Berta has recommended Arsenal to target a move for Newcastle United star Bruno Guimaraes this summer, who may be available for just £60 million if the Magpies fail to seize Champions League qualification (Eduardo Burgos).

However, the name who's been on everybody's lips over these last few months is Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.

Arsenal-Martin-Zubimendi

Arsenal entered advanced talks for Zubimendi in the winter, as they attempt to agree a pre-summer deal for the Spain international and plan to trigger his £52 million release clause (Fabrizio Romano).

Since then, many reports indicate that Berta and co remain in pursuit of him, but the likes of Real Madrid have threatened to hijack their move.

Arsenal convinced they'll wrap up Martin Zubimendi deal by June

Now, talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook has another update.

The reporter, writing in a column for the broadcast giant, states that Arsenal believe they'll strike a deal for Zubimendi by June, and talks are progressing well despite interest from other parties.

martin-zubimendi-arsenal-premier-league

The 26-year-old would be Berta's first signing of the summer if all goes to plan, one year after Zubimendi rejected Liverpool's advances in dramatic fashion to remain at boyhood club Sociedad.

Arsenal have also informed Sociedad that they're ready to trigger Zubimendi's exit clause, so Berta has no qualms paying the fee needed for a player who'd undoubtedly upgrade their midfield.

Kieran Tierney knows the player well from their time together in La Liga, when the Scotsman spent a brief stint on loan at Sociedad. He branded Zubimendi a "world-class" player, and his numbers undoubtedly support this theory.

The Spaniard is an indispensable member of Imanol Alguacil's starting eleven, making 42 appearances in all competitons, but it looks like this could be his final season at the Reale Arena