Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is on the verge of joining Arsenal as their first signing of the summer. The Gunners are currently competing with Manchester City for the Premier League title. While their efforts to end their domestic title drought may end in disappointment, they have secured a place in the Champions League.
Mikel Arteta is already attempting to bolster his squad ahead of their return to Europe’s top table. Even before the transfer window opens, the Gunners are closing in on their first signing.
Zubimendi, 24, is ‘very close’ to joining Arsenal, according to Spanish outlet AS. He has reportedly been offered a deal to relocate to the Emirates and is considering accepting it. He has made 39 appearances in total, scoring one goal.
If he does arrive in North London, Arteta will gain a much-needed midfielder ahead of next season. Declan Rice of West Ham has been linked with the club in the summer, but Zubimendi would be the first to arrive.
Any agreement would result in the former Spanish international making a drastic change in his future plans. He previously turned down a move to the Emirates, and he was also linked with a move to Barcelona, with talk that his release clause of 60 million euros could be activated.
However, he denied that he would be leaving Sociedad in the near future.
“Rumours, rumours. Leaving Real Sociedad aside with the season we are having would be illogical. I am very happy here,”
the player said last month.
His contributions appear to be sufficient to propel the team to a Champions League finish. They currently sit fourth in LaLiga, seven points ahead of Villarreal, with five matches remaining in the season.
While Zubimendi may be on his way out of Sociedad sooner rather than later, former Manchester City star David Silva will be staying. The veteran Spaniard has been with the club since his departure from City in 2020. Since then, he has made 91 appearances in all competitions. The 37-year-old was set to be out of contract at the end of the current season, but he has agreed to a new one-year deal.
