The Gunners have made preparations to land their number-one midfield target in the summer
New Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has his priority on finalising the move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The Spaniard has emerged as the club’s number one summer target to replace the departing Thomas Partey. People close to the Gunners say that they are taking the deal very seriously and have already made a number of key moves to get their man.
Journalist Charles Watt reported that Arsenal are confident of signing the highly-rated Spain international.
“As far as I’m aware Arsenal are still hopeful that they will win the race to sign Martin Zubimendi this summer,” said Watt.
“I know there have been reports from Spain suggesting that Real Madrid have stepped up their attempts to land the midfielder in recent weeks and that his head may have been turned.
“I can’t really confirm anything about the level of Madrid’s interest in Zubimendi, I’m just not sure about that. But I know that Arsenal remain hopeful of getting a deal over the line for the Real Sociedad star.”
The Gunners’ interest in Zubimendi goes all the way back to last summer and the January transfer window. Liverpool are the other Premier League side who were also deeply interested in the player, but he elected to remain at Real Sociedad.
Since then, it is understood that Arsenal have made significant progress in convincing the midfielder of a move to North London. The new sporting director Andrea Berta, who was hired in March, is expected to bring the deal over the line.
“They have put a lot of effort into signing the Spaniard, with Jason Ayto – who was the club’s interim sporting director before the appointment of Andrea Berta – at the forefront of that work,” said Watt.
“And with Berta now at the club he is being tasked with closing the deal for the Spain international, with the expectation that Arsenal will look to get it done early in the transfer window.”
The major talk about Arsenal’s recruitment has been on their need to sign a striker. However, it would appear that midfield is in fact a priority position for the club.
“Zubimendi is seen as a priority for Arsenal this summer,” Watt said, “with Jorginho certain to leave and Thomas Partey’s future far from clear as he heads towards the end of his contract.”
