Arsenal have entered "pole position" to sign a "sensational" Premier League player for Mikel Arteta, according to a very reliable media source, with Andrea Berta remaining hard at work after sealing an agreement with Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi.
Arsenal transfer plans following Martin Zubimendi deal
The renowned Fabrizio Romano has already given his famous 'here we go' to Zubimendi's north London move, so barring a last-minute disaster, it appears the Spain international is set to become Berta's first major signing as Arsenal sporting director.
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The Italian has influenced their decision to reignite interest.
Arsenal were in negotiations over Zubimendi's capture for months, but with the 26-year-old now poised to make the Premier League his new home, attention is now turning to who will follow him to N5.
Race for Champions League qualification with 2 games remaining Points
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As per a report from GiveMeSport in the aftermath of Berta's arrival, Arsenal want to back Arteta with the signings of a second-choice keeper, defender, left-winger, right-winger and striker before summer deadline day on September 1.
That same outlet claimed at the time that £300 million could be spent in a serious show of ambition from the Gunners' side, but this will likely be dependent on player sales and trimming the wage bill to make room in Arteta's squad.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looks dejected after the match
Zubimendi will cost around £51 million, the value of his release clause, plus additional costs like agent fees, commission structures and wages.
A significant outlay of Arsenal's budget will be utilised on Zubimendi's signing, but Berta is already moving on to other targets. Another key potential signing they're looking at, Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, is set to cost a similar amount.
The "sensational" 20-year-old has made a name for himself as one of Spain's most exciting defensive prospects after an excellent debut campaign in the Premier League under Andoni Iraola, and his £50 million release clause is likely to be triggered by an illustrious suitor.
dean-huijsen-bournemouth-premier-league
The competition for Huijsen's signature will be fierce, though, with Chelsea, Tottenham, Liverpool and Real Madrid all reportedly contenders.
Arsenal in "pole position" to sign Dean Huijsen
However, according to Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg, who shared a promising update on the saga, Arsenal are one of the main contenders to sign Huijsen and sit in "pole position" with Liverpool.
This follows from Romano's update that Huijsen's Premier League suitors wish to strike a deal for the ex-Juventus starlet by the end of this month, so things could change very quickly in this rapidly-evolving saga.
"The idea of the three main Premier League clubs involved in this story, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal, is to do the deal now as soon as possible," said Romano on his YouTube channel.
"Now it means by the end of May, so to close the deal this month."