Arsenal close to Martin Zubimendi capture after agreeing £51m release clause payment

Real Sociedad midfielder has been Arteta’s main target, but Arsenal remain in hunt for Sesko and Gyökeres

Arsenal have agreed to pay the release clause for Real Sociedad midfielder Martín Zubimendi. Pic: Angel Martinez/Getty Images

Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad after agreeing to pay the £51m release clause for the Spain midfielder.

Zubimendi, who turned down a move to Liverpool last summer and has also been linked with Real Madrid in recent weeks, is understood to be set for a medical having finalised personal terms for his move to the Premier League. His signing would be a major boost for Mikel Arteta, who made the 26-year-old his primary midfield target this summer as Arsenal attempt to bridge the gap after three successive runners-up finishes in the Premier League.