Barcelona give Arsenal green light to complete £52m transfer deal as midfield move 'very close'

Arsenal transfer news: The Gunners could be set to land their first transfer target before the summer window opens, with Barcelona opening the path to a deal

It has seen them reach fourth in the division, with his preferred role being in a possession-based team, often getting involved in the final third. If a deal is possible, Arsenal could skip negotiations with the other club as Zubimendi is reported to have a £52million release clause in his contract.

The midfielder has previously shut down rumours over a transfer though, telling Spanish outlet Sport: "Rumours, rumours, because I told my manager that I didn't want to hear anything, especially in winter. Leaving Real Sociedad aside with the season we are having would be illogical. Here I am very happy."

It remains to be seen if a move will be made then, but it would be a clear path to make an offer to the player if Barcelona have backed out. There are other midfielders on the agenda at Arsenal ahead of the summer though, with Arteta and Edu keen to reinforce the central ranks.

football.london understands that Declan Rice is a top priority for the club this summer, while Moises Caicedo and Mason Mount have also been linked. With that in mind, it looks set to be a busy few months in north London, with the aim of continuing to build the current project.

Arsenal’s possible 25-man squad for next season contains 5 new signings including Chelsea star