Arsenal have told Real Sociedad they are willing to activate the £52 million release clause in the contract of Spain international midfielder Martin Zubimendi, according to talkSPORT.
The Gunners are confident of their chances of completing a move for the 26-year-old by June, with negotiations progressing well to make him their first signing of the summer transfer window.
Real Madrid are also keen on Zubimendi, but he is expected to join Arsenal and new sporting director Andrea Berta will be keen to get the deal over the line in the coming months.
The Spaniard was linked with a move to Liverpool last summer only for it to fall through, but a move to England is now set to go through in the coming months as the Gunners look to bolster their options in the middle of the park.
The North London club could lose both Thomas Partey and Jorginho at the end of the season, and Zubimendi will be a huge upgrade on the duo.
He has continued to impress for both club and country after an outstanding campaign last term, and his skillset will come in handy at Arsenal.
It is not a surprise that Madrid want him, but it appears the Gunners have stolen a march on them and other suitors in his pursuit, and adding such a player to their squad will make them more formidable going forward.
A striker is also expected to be snapped up, with Berta reportedly a fan of Sporting CP hotshot Viktor Gyokeres, and defensive reinforcements could also take place as some exits are set to happen at the back.
Talks between Arsenal and the representatives of AS Roma left-sided centre-back Evan Ndicka have reportedly taken place, and more players will be linked with the club between now and the end of the summer transfer window.
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