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Arsenal are confident they have sealed a deal to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi ahead of the summer transfer window, according to reports. The Gunners are prepared to activate the 26-year-old’s €60 million (£51m) release clause and believe the move is now effectively a done deal.
The North London club had concerns in March when reports from Spain suggested Real Madrid were attempting to hijack the deal. Zubimendi, who came close to joining Liverpool last year before opting to remain in La Liga, has long been admired by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Arsenal are now moving forward with internal plans under the assumption that Zubimendi will arrive this summer. Speaking to NBC Sports, Ornstein also revealed that the Gunners are working on a contract extension for Thomas Partey, whose current deal expires at the end of the season.
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“His return to prominence for Mikel Arteta’s team has made Arteta and the club very keen on him remaining at the Emirates Stadium,” Ornstein said. “Thomas Partey is happy at Arsenal, his family are settled in London, and he would be open to either a two-year contract or a one-year deal with an option to extend by another 12 months — ideally on improved terms.”
Martin Zubimendi (Image credit: Getty Images)However, Partey is also exploring other options should a new agreement fail to materialize. The 31-year-old has reestablished himself as a key player for Arsenal during the second half of the season and is viewed as an important figure in the club’s immediate future.
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Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Jorginho is expected to leave Arsenal when his contract expires at the end of the campaign, further underlining the need for midfield reinforcements.
In addition to finalizing the Zubimendi deal, Arsenal are expected to strengthen in other areas. Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyökeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško remain on the club’s radar, although big-money moves for stars such as Alexander Isak or Victor Osimhen are viewed as unlikely.
Arteta’s side could also target a new winger, though a departure in that position would likely be required first. Bournemouth’s promising young centre-back Dean Huijsen is another player Arsenal are monitoring, while a new second-choice goalkeeper is also on the recruitment agenda.
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