Martin Zubimendi set for Arsenal medical as £51m transfer from Real Sociedad nears completion

BBC Sport states that a switch from Sociedad to Arsenal is entering its closing stages, with the midfielder's £51m ($68.8m) transfer subject to a successful medical. This comes less than a year on from Zubimendi snubbing a Liverpool transfer.

The report adds that Zubimendi has a £51m release clause and that all payment structures between Sociedad and Arsenal have been agreed. This comes at a time when Real Madrid were threatening to hijack a move but it seems the Gunners are set to sign the Spain international. This is a statement signing by Mikel Arteta's side.

The defensive midfielder has made 236 appearances for Sociedad, scoring 10 goals and bagging nine assists in the process. He can also play in central midfield and on one occasion played at centre-back.

The report adds that along with Zubimendi, Arsenal hope to sign a new striker, with RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres among their preferred targets. They are also trying to extend the deals of Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Gabriel, Leandro Trossard, Thomas Partey, Myles Lewis-Skelly, and Ethan Nwaneri.