Arsenal transfer ‘virtually completed’ as £51m release clause met for Liverpool ‘target’

Arsenal will complete the signing of long term transfer target Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad at the end of the season in a marquee move for the North London club.

That's according to the Mail Sport with the outlet claiming that the deal is 'virtually completed' at this stage. Zubimendi has been courted by Mikel Arteta for over 12 months and talks are now at an 'advanced stage'.

The immediate transfer priority for Arsenal remains a forward acquisition given the injuries to Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Ethan Nwaneri but progress is still being made in the background on longer term moves. The Gunners would have preferred for Zubimendi to have arrived at the Emirates Stadium this month but will have to be patient until the summer.

Liverpool and Man City linked with Zubimendi

The Mail talks of 'varying degrees of interest' from Liverpool, as well as Arsenal, last summer but the Gunners did not make a formal offer during the summer window. Manchester City were also potential suitors following the season-ending injury to midfield linchpin Rodri at the start of the campaign.

Arsenal could be without Jorginho and Thomas Partey at the end of the 2024/25 campaign with both players set to run out of contract. It remains to be seen whether that duo are offered new deals but it has made the pursuit of Zubimendi a priority.

The Spaniard is understood to have a £51 million release clause in his contract, which is what has allowed Arsenal to complete a deal. The 25-year-old has made 15 appearances for the national team since 2021.

Speaking about his decision to stay at Sociedad last summer, Zubimendi said:  "I didn't have any pressure from my close circle.

"My friends are clear that whatever I decide, it will be the best. There is no pressure at all. Real Sociedad for me is my life, I think I've been in there for half my life. A lot of what I am is part of Real, it's my life."

Zubimendi is a product of the Sociedad youth academy and has racked up  210 appearances for the first team. The midfielder has registered nine goals and nine assists in those matches.

Striker remains transfer priority for Arsenal

Speaking about the January transfer window this week, Arteta provided an update on the club's plans after the injury to Jesus. The Brazilian limped off during the first half of the FA Cup clash with Manchester United last weekend.

Arteta said: "My answer doesn’t change, my answer remains the same. We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad and that’s been since day one.

“We’d be naive to not do that because there’s an opportunity always to evolve the team and improve the squad, especially in the circumstances we have. Yes, we are looking and trying. Let’s see what we’re able to do.”

Jesus scored six goals in four outings over Christmas and the New Year but lasted just 40 minutes against Manchester United. The Gunners missed a number of golden chances in front of goal during that game without their key finishers. Arteta said: "We know more now. It is not looking good at all.

"We need to review with one more specialist and will have better information this afternoon. I don't want to confirm anything until we have the final report this afternoon. We were very worried after the game and we are very worried today."