Martin Zubimendi has reportedly touched down in London as he edges closer to sealing a summer switch to Arsenal.
According to The Athletic, the Real Sociedad midfielder is on the verge of completing his move to the Emirates, with the player set to meet club officials and finalise the remaining formalities.
Arsenal have been long-time admirers of the Spain international, who has a £51million release clause in his contract, and Mail Sport revealed earlier this season that the Gunners had moved ahead of their rivals in the race for his signature.
Zubimendi is now poised to become Mikel Arteta’s first signing of the summer as the Arsenal boss looks to strengthen his midfield ahead of the new campaign.
Reports from Spain earlier this month suggested Real Madrid had made contact with the 26-year-old's camp as they considered an attempt to hijack the Gunners move
A product of Real Sociedad's youth system, Zubimendi has gone on to play 236 times for the club, while he has scored ten goals.
Zubimendi won the Copa del Rey with Sociedad, while he has enjoyed success on the international stage with Spain, winning Euro 2024 and the 2022-23 edition of the Nations League.
He previously played with current Arsenal stars Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino at Sociedad and is international team-mates with David Raya.
Last year Zubimendi turned down the opportunity to join Liverpool but he will now get the chance to test himself in the Premier League.
The Spaniard's arrival will come as a relief to the Gunners, with Thomas Partey reportedly set to depart at the end of this month.
According to reports, Partey, whose contract expires at the end of June, is not expected to reach an agreement over a new deal.
Meanwhile, the Gunners remain keen to bolster their attack as they seek to mount another title challenge next season.
Sporting Lisbon striker Victor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko are among leading strikers Arsenal are keen on.
Ifeabdul
0
still keep Partey regardless
raeaostyz
0
With Zubimenda anything is possible can end up at Anfield. not to be trusted
He won't end up at Anfield, no way. Hope his indecision with transfers doesn't reflect his indecision on the pitch. He doesn't know what he wants, this type of player mat have trouble adapting to a new country. Think he's a good signing (we wanted him) but something not quite right about him. Time will tell.
jamadikntz
2
please keep Yakubu(Partey)we still need him,,I remember his goal against Nottingham, his performance against Aston villa away,,city home,,Madrid home and away and many more that made him special to me!!!atheist a one and half year contract!!
japbckprsy
0
Au calling arteta a fool,partey is slow like a tortoise
but he has done a lot of defensive track backs while being that slow as you think 🤔
jetbcdeprs
1
to much talk
seunfunmi33
2
The serious clubs are making their signings without talking too much, we on the other hand, just grasping straws and assumptions
Zezesol400
0
Au calling arteta a fool,partey is slow like a tortoise
Zezesol400
0
This guy can't bench Partey, as far as I know EPL,,, mark my words,,, just a mess to let the later depart,,, just add him on for stability.
Just u don't know him,partey is slow like a tortoise,au calling arteta a fool?!
SkylarJohsua
1
arteta and zubimedi has quite similar face
Nueaestyz
1
I wish them well
sammyluv84
2
Arsenal signing 1 player for 3 weeks now.
GeneralescobaCfr
0
This guy can't bench Partey, as far as I know EPL,,, mark my words,,, just a mess to let the later depart,,, just add him on for stability.
He can never compete with Partey it will really hurt to see Partey leave
Albasari
3
party is better than this guy
Tawbdmor
3
This guy can't bench Partey, as far as I know EPL,,, mark my words,,, just a mess to let the later depart,,, just add him on for stability.
huhcloprty
2
bargain fee
jedikort
3
Zubimenda could be a perfect partner with Partey.
gigi07
0
With Zubimenda anything is possible can end up at Anfield. not to be trusted
true, I prefer partey to stay
Zuwabesz
3
With Zubimenda anything is possible can end up at Anfield. not to be trusted
Pebadeiksy
6
i think zubimandi wanted to see if partey will still put and now that it's confirmed partey will definitely be departing,he knows he's a big chance of a first team squad ... welcome and wish you all the best.