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Arsenal ‘very close’ to signing Real Sociedad star Zubimendi

By on May 5, 2023

Martin Zubimendi

Arsenal are reportedly ‘very close’ to signing Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi this summer, as per the Spanish outlet AS.

It is an open secret that the Gunners are keen on strengthening their engine room in the upcoming transfer window. They have been linked with numerous options over the last few weeks but Declan Rice has been suggested as their number-one target.

However, West Ham United have made it clear that they are not going to let their star man leave for anything less than £100m and it has previously been reported that Arsenal don’t want to match the Hammers’ asking price to sign Rice this summer.

It seems purchasing the England international will be difficult for Arsenal so Mikel Arteta’s side are lining up alternative options to strengthen their midfield department if they fail to acquire Rice’s services.

Mason Mount, Moises Caicedo and Ruben Neves have all been mentioned as potential targets but it appears the north London club are seriously considering signing Zubimendi.

Zubimendi to Arsenal

According to the report by AS, Arsenal have been showing a concrete interest in purchasing Zubimendi and they are ‘very close’ to agreeing on a deal to lure the 24-year-old to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

It has been reported that Zubimendi has a £53m release clause in his current contract and Arsenal are happy to trigger it to sign the Spaniard during the off-season.

Zubimendi has established himself as a mainstay in Real Sociedad’s midfield over the last few years and he has been playing a pivotal role in their quest of finishing in the top four this season.

Zubimendi is a holding midfielder by traits but can also be deployed in the number eight role. He is technically sound, can link up the play from defence to attack, is excellent in defensive contributions and also brilliant in the air.

He would be a great coup for Arsenal if they were to secure the Spaniard’s signature this summer. It is going to be interesting to see whether Mikel Arteta’s side continue pursuing Rice should they end up signing Zubimendi at the end of this season.