Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi is “on his way to Arsenal” and the deal has been done between the various parties.
That’s’ according to journalist Óscar Badallo, to Marca Radio, who insists that the deal is done, and Arsenal have already wrapped up the signing of the highly rated midfielder.
Zubimendi’s future has been the subject of interest for the last year after Liverpool tried to sign him last summer but were ultimately turned down.
The midfielder has continued to be linked with a move away since then, with Real Madrid thought to be keen on him as they continue targeting talent in Spain.
Reports earlier this year, though, put Arsenal at the front of the queue and insisted that a deal had already been wrapped up for the Real Sociedad star. Badallo now echoes that in his latest comments to Marca.
“Zubimendi is on his way to Arsenal,” he said.
“There’s no need to dwell on it any further. Last year, Barcelona was the name of the game, this year, Real Madrid…”
How much Arsenal pay for the midfielder remains to be seen, with €60m seen as the absolute minimum given his performances in Spain.
Liverpool were prepared to pay a similar price last summer as they sought a new midfielder and Arsenal have not been shy of spending big sums in the past on the likes of Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino in recent years.
Any deal this summer is likely to be an expensive one and fellow journalist Yon Cuezva insists Real Sociedad want €60m and for the deal to be done quickly.
“They’re asking for €60m 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,” he added.
