ARSENAL CLOSING IN ON ZUBIMENDI SIGNING – A £51 million deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi
Arsenal are closing in on a £51 million deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi according to media reports. The 25-year-old midfielder pulled the plug on a transfer to Arsenal’s Premier League rivals Liverpool in the summer after winning the European Championship with Spain.
Zubimendi replaced an injured Rodri at half-time of the 2-1 win over England in the final. A move to North London would see Zubimendi reunite with midfield partner Mikel Merino who joined Arsenal from Real Sociedad in the summer.
Gunners manager Mikel Arteta also came up through the ranks of his hometown club in San Sebastian and spent half a season there before joining Everton in 2005.
While much has been made of Arsenal’s need to sign a new number nine, especially with Gabriel Jesus set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines having suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the first half of their FA Cup exit to Manchester United, Zubimendi is expected to replace the ageing Thomas Partey and Jorginho whose contracts expire at the end of the season.
