After resisting the temptation to spend in January, Arsenal are expected to go big in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Arsenal are on the verge of appointing Andrea Berta as their new sporting director, the man tasked with bolstering Mikel Arteta’s squad with world-class additions.
Berta is familiar with the pressure of delivering groundbreaking deals – he signed all of Joao Felix, Julian Alvarez and Thomas Lemar for extraordinary fees at Atletico Madrid.
And whilst the Italian will be predominantly focused on recruiting a new number nine for the Gunners this summer, with Alexander Isak remaining Arsenal’s number one target, there’s still other important deals in the pipeline too.
And soon after joining, Berta will hope to secure a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder, Martin Zubimendi.
Real Sociedad hope Martin Zubimendi can say goodbye before joining Arsenal
Arsenal are confident of signing Zubimendi this summer, a Spaniard who could mark the beginning of a midfield rebuild given that Thomas Partey and Jorginho will be out of contract as things stand.
And Arsenal have now received further encouragement in that pursuit via local journalist Oscar Badallo who is an expert on all things Real Sociedad.
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Badallo was appearing on Radio Marca during coverage of Real Sociedad’s tie with Real Valladolid over the weekend and spilled the beans somewhat on what will happen with Zubimendi this summer.
Speaking alongside fellow journalist Yon Cueza, Badallo said: “Zubimendi is on his way to Arsenal. There’s no need to dwell on it any further. Last year, Barcelona was the name of the move, this year, Real Madrid.”
Cueza then added: “They’re asking for €60m (£50m) and for it to be done quickly so he can say goodbye on the pitch. The idea is Arsenal, unless Real Madrid comes in strong to take him.”
Mikel Arteta could be the key factor in signing Martin Zubimendi
Of course, it is worth noting that Real Madrid could still cause Arsenal issues with Zubimendi should they make a big play for the midfielder before the summer.
But Badallo seems confident that the midfielder will be north London bound in a few months time – excellent news for Arteta.
Perhaps Arteta’s San Sebastian roots could make a difference in convincing Zubimendi to make a significant switch to England, a midfielder who’s otherwise been keen to stay at his boyhood club.
Zubimendi rejected Liverpool last summer after Arne Slot seemingly wanted to add the midfielder as his first big signing at Anfield.
However, the Spaniard’s reluctance to move a year ago may now work in Arsenal’s favour, and each update that arrives from Spain or England in relation to the deal seems to bode well for the Gunners right now.
