Arsenal agree deal for Spanish midfielder

Arsenal have virtually agreed a deal for one of their long-term targets to join them.

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has agreed to join the Gunners at the end of the season, with the Gunners set to trigger the 25 year-olds release clause of ₤51 million, once the summer transfer window opens.

The North London’s clubs attempts to sign him in January fell on deaf ears, with the Spanish club insisting that he stay to the end of the season.

And his arrival is the clearest sign yet that both Thomas Partey and Jorginho are set to depart the club. Jorginho has been linked with a return to Brazil, whilst Partey has been associated with both Juventus and Barcelona.

It also means that the Arsenal midfield next season might contain three players all of whom played for the Basque club. Mikel Merino was signed from them last summer, whilst Martin Ødegaard played on loan for them earlier in his career.

Andy is an exiled English football fan living in Cyprus. He loves all sports but football is his abiding passion, and he still has dreams every now and then about scoring the winning goal in a Wembley Cup Final, even though his playing days are long gone. He follows most major leagues, across Europe at least, and has a favoured team in each. When he’s not watching, listening, reading or downloading podcasts about football, he spend his time worrying about his beloved Arsenal.