Arsenal confident Martin Zubimendi deal is done but task incoming sporting director Andrea Berta with fighting off Real Madrid attempt to hijack transfer

Per the Mirror, Arsenal are confident they have a framework in place to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad this summer. The Spain international has a release clause worth £51 million ($66m), and the Gunners have been tracking the midfielder for the past 18 months. They have been in talks over a deal since last summer, but they have tasked incoming sporting director Berti with getting the deal over the line.

The report claims that Madrid could choose to intervene and potentially turn the head of the midfielder, but the Gunners remain confident that he will end up at the Emirates given the amount of work they have already put in. Madrid have an uncertain managerial situation as Carlo Ancelotti is wanted by Brazil and the potential appointment of Xabi Alonso would complicate matters; he previously managed Zubimendi when he was in charge of Sociedad's B team.

The 26-year-old has 15 caps for Spain and has made 227 appearances in total for Sociedad. He has a contract until 2027, but his release clause suggests he will be on his way this summer.

Arsenal will likely continue working on their deal for Zubimendi until the summer. They face Fulham in the Premier League on Tuesday.