Arsenal close in on first summer signing as Zubimendi arrives in London
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has arrived in the United Kingdom to finalize a long-anticipated move to Premier League side Arsenal.
According to The Athletic, the 26-year-old Spanish international is expected to hold final talks with Arsenal officials in London as the Gunners look to wrap up what will be their first signing of the summer transfer window.
Zubimendi, who has a £51 million release clause in his current contract, will reportedly join for a slightly higher fee structured to allow Arsenal to stagger payments across several years.
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Having risen through the ranks at Real Sociedad, Zubimendi has made 236 appearances and scored 10 goals for the LaLiga outfit, earning a reputation as one of Spain’s most technically gifted defensive midfielders.
While Liverpool were heavily linked with the player last year, Zubimendi opted to stay in Spain for one more season. Earlier this month, reports also surfaced suggesting that Real Madrid had made a late move to hijack Arsenal’s deal, but it appears the Gunners have won the race.
The transfer would mark a significant addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad as Arsenal seek to build on last season’s strong campaign and push once again for the Premier League title.
