£51m Arsenal target’s reps set to fly in for talks after agreeing contract

The representatives of a major Arsenal target are set to fly to London for further talks this week, having now reached an agreement on contract terms, according to a report.

Mikel Arteta planning for the summer

Although Liverpool eked out a 2-1 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers yesterday, Mikel Arteta‘s side remain in a strong position to mount a title push as we approach a crucial stage of the season.

In truth, another second-place finish would be very tough to take, having narrowly missed out to Manchester City in the previous two seasons, but making up a seven-point gap could prove to be a tall order.

Arteta will be keen to ensure his side set the pace next season, rather than having to chase, and the manager is looking at adding the final touches to his squad, with bringing in a top striker believed to be of particular interest.

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The Gunners have made the first move to sign a striker who is the top scorer in his league this season.

Midfield hasn’t been a problem position for Arsenal this season, with Declan Rice and Thomas Partey among their most consistent players in the Premier League, but Arteta is still keen to bring in additional depth in the middle of the park this summer.

There have been widespread reports indicating Martin Zubimendi’s move to the Emirates Stadium is more or less wrapped up, but there has now been a new update on the Gunners’ pursuit of the Real Sociedad man.

According to a report from Football Transfers, Arterta’s side have now struck an agreement with Zubimendi on a four-year contract, having held advanced talks over a summer transfer.

The midfielder’s representatives are set to fly to London for further talks this week, with the deal developing, although he still has reservations about the move due to non-football related issues, such as relocating to England.

Arsenal remain confident they will be able to get the deal over the line, however, with Arteta believed to be the driving force behind the move.

Zubimendi could be a statement signing for Arsenal

The central midfielder, who is expected to cost around £51m, could help take Arteta’s midfield to the next level, given the displays he has put in for Real Sociedad for quite some time.

Former Gunner Kieran Tierney has lauded his ex-teammate as “world-class”, and he has been one of Sociedad’s best-performing players in La Liga this season, averaging a 6.91 WhoScored match rating.

Although the Spaniard is not much of a goal threat, he has impressed across a number of key defensive metrics over the past year.

Partey has put in some impressive performances for Arsenal this season, but the Ghanaian turns 32 in June, and there are plenty of signs the 26-year-old Real Sociedad star could be a solid long-term replacement.