Reports indicate that Arsenal has reached an agreement to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window.
The Gunners have been closely following the 26-year-old since last summer, impressed by his consistent performances for Sociedad. They have reportedly secured his signature, moving ahead of Spanish giants Real Madrid in the race.
According to transfer news expert Fabrizio Romano, the North London club has finally decided to activate the midfielder`s release clause, valued at a substantial £50 million.
Mikel Arteta`s side must now finalize the necessary formal steps to complete the payment for the player.
The Spain international is also reported to have reached a verbal agreement on personal terms with the Premier League contenders.
Zubimendi is expected to sign a long-term contract and become Arsenal`s initial signing of the summer transfer period.
However, the news of the defensive midfielder`s potential arrival at the Emirates Stadium has not been met with unanimous enthusiasm among the fanbase.
This lukewarm reaction stems from many Arsenal supporters` long-standing desire for a top-tier centre-forward, a need they have voiced for the past three years.
Indeed, numerous fans and pundits have argued that signing a quality striker is the crucial missing piece needed for the team to finally clinch their first Premier League title in 21 years.
The perceived lack of a clinical goalscorer is frequently blamed as the primary reason why Arteta`s side appears set to finish as league runners-up for the third season in succession.
Fan comments on social media reflect this sentiment:
One fan tweeted: “Another midfielder. Do they recognize that they went trophyless without a striker? Lmao.”
Another simply commented: “Striker???”
A third wrote: “Misplaced priorities. Arsenal need a proper number 9, not a midfielder.”
This fan humorously noted: “Everyone: Arsenal still needs a CF – Arteta: Give me my 5th DM.”
And another urged: “A striker should be the next target please!”
Nevertheless, a significant portion of the Arsenal faithful also recognizes the potential importance of this signing. Zubimendi is widely regarded as one of the most promising midfielders globally.
Furthermore, the future of current midfielder Thomas Partey is uncertain, as his contract is set to expire in June.
Securing the highly-rated prospect despite interest from Real Madrid is considered a major coup for Arsenal.
According to reports from Foot Mercato, Xabi Alonso, the incoming Real Madrid manager who recently left Bayer Leverkusen and is expected to replace Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu, was particularly keen on signing Zubimendi.
The same source claims Alonso specifically requested Real Madrid president Florentino Perez to sign the defensive midfielder (number 6) and also bring Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah to Spain.
Marcus Bellamy