Arsenal 'very close' to first summer deal as Barcelona target performs u-turn

04 May 2023 , 20:16

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Arsenal 'very close' to first summer deal as Barcelona target performs u-turn

Arsenal are closing in on their first signing of the summer with Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi on the verge of a move.

The Gunners are currently embroiled in a battle with Manchester City to lift the Premier League. Whilst their efforts to end their wait for a domestic crown could end in frustration, they have still managed to book their place in the Champions League.

Ahead of their return to Europe’s top table, Mikel Arteta is already attempting to add to the squad at his disposal. And the Gunners are closing in on their first deal even before the transfer window gets underway.

According to Spanish outlet AS, Real Sociedad midfielder Zubimendi is ‘very close’ to becoming an Arsenal player. He has reportedly been offered a deal to move to the Emirates and is inclined to accept.

Should he arrive in North London, that would see Arteta gain a much-needed midfielder ahead of next season. West Ham midfielder Declan Rice has been rumoured to be under consideration in the summer but Zubimendi would be the first arrival.

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Any deal would see the one-time Spanish international perform a drastic U-turn over his future. He has rejected a move to the Emirates in the past, whilst he was also linked with a switch to Barcelona with talk that his €60million (£52.8m) release clause could be activated.

Martin Zubimendi is reportedly on the verge of a switch to Arsenal (Getty Images)

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However, he disputed the prospect that he could leave Sociedad in the near future. Speaking last month, the 24-year-old said: “Rumours, rumours, because I told my agent that I didn’t want to hear anything, especially in winter. Leaving Real Sociedad aside with the season we are having would be illogical. I am very happy here.”

He added: “I look forward to a quiet summer. Like the others and nothing.”

Zubimendi has shone for Sociedad this season in what has been a standout season. He has made 39 appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal.

His contributions look likely to be good enough to help the side to a Champions League finish. They currently sit fourth in the LaLiga standings with a seven point advantage over Villarreal with five matches of the season to be played.

Whilst Zubimendi could be on the move from Sociedad sooner rather than later, one man who will be staying at least is former Manchester City star David Silva. The veteran Spaniard has been with the club since his Etihad exit in 2020.

He has made 91 appearances in all competitions since. The 37-year-old was due to be out of contract at the end of the current campaign but has put pen to paper on a new one-year deal.

Daniel Orme