Arsenal transfer chief Andrea Berta is closing in on his first official signing as new sporting director, as he looks to finalise a deal for one “world-class” player, and the Gunners are said to have already scheduled a medical for him.
Arsenal set to reinforce multiple squad areas this summer
Managr Mikel Arteta is set to be backed to the hilt this summer, with a lot of noise surrounding their pursuit of a new forward, both out wide and in terms of a striker.
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The north Londoners are moving ahead with ambitious summer plans.
Talks have been held over a move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, while extremely strong links continue to surround RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with the reliable David Ornstein expecting Berta to sign one of the centre-forward pair.
|
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports) |
Money on new signings |
|---|---|
|
19/20 – winter |
£0 |
|
20/21 – summer |
£81.5m |
|
20/21 – winter |
£900k |
|
21/22 – summer |
£156.8m |
|
21/22 – winter |
£1.8m |
|
22/23 – summer |
£121.5m |
|
22/23 – winter |
£59m |
|
23/24 – summer |
£208m |
|
23/24 – winter |
£0 |
|
24/25 – summer |
£101.5m |
|
24/25 – winter |
£0 |
However, the midfield area is also set to be strengthened.
Jorginho is out of contract in the summer and has agreed to join Flamengo in time for the Club World Cup, while uncertainty continues to surround Thomas Partey’s long-term future with no deal struck on fresh terms as yet.
This makes the signing of Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi all the more imperative, and following months of negotiations, they appear set to get their man through the door, despite reports this week that Real Madrid still pose a threat.
Fabrizio Romano gave his famous ‘here we go’ to Zubimendi’s Arsenal transfer, but reports in Spain carried on to suggest that Los Blancos could still hijack the £51 million deal.
However, BBC journalist Sami Mokbel’s latest update on the saga has now seemingly removed all doubt.
Martin Zubimendi set for Arsenal medical with paperwork finalised
According to the reporter, Arsenal have scheduled an imminent medical for Zubimendi, and once it is completed, the Gunners will announce his signing in a major boost for Arteta.
“Martin Zubimendi set for medical before completing switch to Arsenal,” said Mokbel.
“All relevant paperwork with Real Sociedad has been completed. Announcement pending successful medical.”
The 26-year-old, one year after he snubbed a move to Liverpool, is now on the verge of signing for Arsenal and seriously reinforcing Arteta’s midfield options ahead of a potentially more successful Premier League title challenge next season.
Called “world-class” by Kieran Tierney, Zubimendi has also been labelled world football’s “second-best” midfielder.
“For me, Martín is the second-best player in the world. We are incredibly lucky to have these two, who I consider the best players in the world.” said Spain boss Luis de la Fuente on Zubimendi and Rodri.
“But we also have other fantastic players who’ve been here and are with us now—another fantastic player, Pepelu hasn’t come yet, but he’s been called up with us.”
