Arsenal have made a transfer U-turn and are planning to work on a deal for Leroy Sane after making Martin Zubimendi their first summer signing.
Zubimendi was set to have a medical at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday ahead of his £51m move from Real Sociedad.
Mikel Arteta is a known admirer of Zubimendi, 26, and Arsenal are poised to secure his signature despite interest from Sociedad’s La Liga rivals Real Madrid.
Liverpool, who beat Arsenal to the Premier League title, were close to signing Zubimendi last summer but the Spanish star decided to stay at Real Sociedad.
The Euro 2024 winner will head to the English top-flight this summer, however, to bolster Arteta’s midfield options following the departure of Jorginho and potential exit of Thomas Partey.
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Jorginho confirmed he was leaving Arsenal in an emotional social media post on Monday and Partey will follow the Italian out unless Arsenal made a breakthrough in contract talks.
Once the signing of Zubimendi has been completed, Arteta will turn his attentions to other additions, hoping to see a new winger arrive in north London.
Arsenal’s dream target in that position is believed to be Zubimendi’s Spain teammate Nico Williams, who has a release clause of £42m.
But the player’s steep wage demands have forced Arsenal to look elsewhere and they are showing ‘strong interest’ in former Manchester City winger Sane, according to The Times.
Arsenal have been linked with the Germany international on and off over the past 12 months, with Arteta an admirer of a player he worked with while he was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at the Etihad Stadium.
Last week it was reported that Arsenal had withdrawn from the race to sign Sane, who is set to become a free agent, but it is claimed the Gunners have made a U-turn and are now lining up a move.
Sane has scored 61 goals in 220 appearances for Bayern Munich since a £54m move from Manchester City in 2020.
While at City, Sane lifted two Premier League trophies, three EFL Cups and the FA Cup.
Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham have reportedly been offered the chance to sign Sane, who is said to be open to a Premier League return.
Sane’s agent is due to hold further talks with Bayern later this week but the two parties appear to be some way apart in terms of reaching a deal over a contract extension.
Another option for Arsenal is the Brighton winger Kaoru Mitoma, who incidentally has been linked with a move to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
As well as signing a new midfielder and winger, Arteta is desperate for a top striker to arrive through the doors at the Emirates.
Viktor Gyokeres appears to be the club’s first-choice target for that position but they also hold interest in Benjamin Sesko, who could cost almost £100m, and Liam Delap, who has a release clause of £30m.
Arsenal are ready to back Arteta in the transfer market after going a fifth successive season without a trophy.
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