Former Arsenal sporting director Edu reportedly completed a ‘huge amount of work’ to complete a £51million deal for Martin Zubimendi. Edu has since left the Gunners to take up a role within the multi-club structure of Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis but still helped Mikel Arteta land one of his most important signings ahead of the summer transfer window.
Arsenal have been strongly linked with Zubimendi, with wide-ranging reports claiming that a move for the Real Sociedad star has already been finalised. The defensive midfielder is expected to move to the Emirates Stadium at the end of the season, providing more depth at the base of Arteta’s midfield. However, some Spanish publications have claimed that Real Madrid are close to a deal.
According to The Athletic, though, Arsenal expect Zubimendi to be their player next season. The report claims that a ‘huge amount of work’ was done during Edu’s tenure to make the deal possible.
It is unclear if the transfer is ‘completely done’. However, the north Londoners are working on the basis that Zubimendi will join them in the summer.
Jason Ayto, who took over as interim sporting director following Edu’s departure in December, has also been working on an agreement to sign the 26-year-old. Andrea Berta is expected to be confirmed as Edu’s permanent replacement in the near future.
Berta, who previously worked for Atletico Madrid, is set for a busy start to his Arsenal career. The Gunners are in need of several upgrades in the summer if Arteta is to finally land the Premier League title next season.
Arsenal, who struggled to maintain pace with Liverpool and are 12 points behind the Reds, could require at least two signings to complete Arteta’s team. If a deal for Zubimendi gets over the line, a centre-forward will be Berta’s main priority.
Alexander Isak has been linked with Arsenal but it is unclear whether the Gunners will have the resources to complete what could be a nine-figure transfer from Newcastle. RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike are also reportedly on Arsenal’s radar. Arteta needs a striker who can match the scoring exploits of the Premier League’s top marksmen.
Another winger could also be beneficial for Arsenal. Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams is a long-term target. The Gunners have also been widely linked with Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.