Arsenal have agreed a new transfer fee to sign Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi ahead of Real Madrid, according to reports.
Mikel Arteta has made Zubimendi, 26, one of his top transfer targets this summer.
The Real Sociedad star came close to joining Arsenal’s Premier League rivals Liverpool last year but ended up rejecting the move.
Arsenal began working on a deal for Zubimendi earlier in the year and were believed to be leading the race for his signature.
But Real Madrid have continued to express interest in the Spaniard and recent reports claimed Xabi Alonso was planning a ‘final offensive’ to beat Arsenal to a deal.
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Alonso is a known admirer of Zubimendi and reportedly wants to bring him to the Bernabeu as one of his first Real Madrid signings.
The issue for Arsenal is that reports in Spain claim Zubimendi is in fact considering snubbing the Gunners in favour of a move to Madrid.
Zubimendi is said to be keen to remain in Spain and has always dreamed of playing for Los Blancos. He also has a healthy relationship with Alonso, who previously managed Real Sociedad B.
But The Athletic say Arsenal still expect to welcome Zubimendi to the Emirates Stadium this summer and regard the deal as being ‘done and signed’.
Zubimendi is therefore expected to link up with Arteta’s squad for pre-season and the delay is only due to Real Sociedad’s preference for the transfer to be ratified in July for accounting purposes.
The midfielder has a release clause worth £51m but it is claimed Arsenal have agreed to pay even more – £55m – in order to pay for the deal in instalments rather than a lump sum.
Why Arsenal want Martin Zubimendi
Zubimendi has made 236 appearances for boyhood club Real Sociedad and established himself as one of the best midfielders in La Liga over the past three seasons.
He is also a key player for Spain, helping Luis de la Fuente’s side become European champions last summer and reach the recent Nations League final.
Zubimendi scored Spain’s opener in Sunday’s final but Portugal twice came from behind to force penalties and triumphed in the shootout.
Arteta is desperate to bring Zubimendi to north London after Jorginho left the club to return to Brazil, while Thomas Partey could also be heading for the exit door.
Partey is open to staying at Arsenal but is yet to sign a new deal – his current contract expires in a matter of weeks – and has attracted interest from several European clubs.
Zubimendi’s arrival will give £105m signing Declan Rice a freer role in the Arsenal team and push him further up the pitch alongside Gunners captain Martin Odegaard.
While chasing Zubimendi, Arsenal are also targeting a new striker and have expressed interest in big-money deals for Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.
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