Martin Zubimendi to join Arsenal in major £51m deal – but there's a problem
Arsenal are close to completing the signing of midfielder Martín Zubimendi, but he will not arrive until the summer, talkSPORT understands.
Boss Mikel Arteta has tracked the Real Sociedad star for over a year and now appears to have landed his man with talks at an advanced stage ahead of a £51million move.
Arsenal He requested that the 25-year-old move to the Emirates this month, but Real rejected the Gunners' proposal and Zubimendi will remain in La Liga until the end of the season.
The defensive midfielder was part of the Euro 2024-winning Spanish team that beat England in the final last July.
Zubimendi was targeted Liverpool last summer but opted to remain at the La Liga club rather than move to Anfield.
Liverpool subsequently withdrew their interest in acquiring Zubimendi, thus giving the Gunners free rein to complete a deal.
Spanish has also been linked to a movement towards city of manchester in response to Rodri's season-ending ACL injury.
The move could spell the end for Arsenal's midfield duo of Jorginho and Thomas Partey who are without contract this summer.
The club has not yet offered any of the players a new contract and Jorginho is already considering a move away from the Emirates.
Zubimendi has been in good form with Real Sociedad over the last few seasons, which has seen his stock rise steadily.
The Spaniard has played 22 times for his club this season in all competitions, scoring one goal and will offer more defensive solidity to Arteta's team.
The Gunners are likely to turn their attention to bolstering their attacking options with injuries to their Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.
4
4
Saka's hamstring injury is likely to keep him out of action until March, while the Brazilian has suffered a suspected injury. Anterior cruciate ligament injury in Sunday's FA Cup defeat against manchester united.
Ahead of the final two and a half weeks of the transfer window, Arteta said: “We are actively looking in the market to improve the team. It's been like that since day one.
“It would be naive not to do that. It is an opportunity to improve the squad. We are searching. We are trying. Let's see what we can do.”
The Gunners' domestic cup hopes were dented last week following a 2-0 defeat in the first leg of their Carabao Cup semi-final at home to Newcastle.
With the FA Cup no longer in their sights, Arteta's men must turn their attention to reversing the deficit at St James' Park next month.
Arsenal still have work to do to qualify for the Champions League last 16 with games against Dinamo Zagreb and Girona this month.
4
Arteta's injured team must recover quickly ahead of Wednesday's mouth-watering north London derby at home against Tottenham.
Arsenal are six points behind leaders Liverpool having played one more game and defeat at the Emirates could realistically end the Gunners' title challenge.
