Martin Zubimendi is set for a medical at Arsenal as he draws closer to completing a £51m transfer to the Gunners.
The Real Sociedad midfielder turned down the chance to join Liverpool last summer, after the Spanish international decided to remain with his childhood club. But now the BBC reports that all the relevant documents in relation to the 26-year-old's switch to Mikel Arteta's side have been signed, with the deal "entering its closing stages".
The Euro 2024 winner has a reported £51m release clause and the BBC reports that the necessary payment structures between Sociedad and Arsenal are already agreed. He is rated as one of the top defensive midfielders in the world and was all set for a switch to Anfield, before a last minute change of heart.
Once his medical is completed, the deal is expected to progress quickly, in an impressive coup for Arsenal. He will become the North London side's first signing of the summer, as they look to build on a third-successive second-placed finish in the Premier League and another trophyless campaign.
Speaking back in October, Spanish manager Luis de la Fuente hailed Zubimendi as "the second-best player in the world". He said: "I've publicly stated that, for me, Martin is the second-best player in the world [behind Rodri].
VALENCIA, SPAIN - MARCH 23: Martin Zubimendi of Spain with the ball during the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg One match between Spain and Netherlands at Mestalla Stadium on March 23, 2025 in Valencia, Spain. (Photo by Cristian Trujillo/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Martin Zubimendi is a target for the Gunners (Image: Quality Sport Images, Getty Images)
"We are incredibly lucky to have these two - who I consider the best players in the world. But we also have other fantastic players who've been here and are with us now - another fantastic player."
When questioned about why he rejected Liverpool, Zubimendi attributed his love for his homeland as the reason for staying put, further confessing he didn't regret declining the move.
"It is 'true' that there was a lot of noise," Zubimendi admitted last September. He continued: "I went through uncomfortable moments. The best thing for me was to stay here, and I was happy and at peace.
"Of course, I don't regret it. I can't think that after four or five games at the start of the season. I made my decision from within. I thought it was the best thing to do."
He later told El Diario Vasco in December: "I went on vacation, and it caught me by surprise. It wasn't something I had planned. I reacted when the situation arose.
"It was an uncomfortable time for me but I weighed the pros and cons and concluded that the best option was to stay. I don't believe in 'once-in-a-lifetime' opportunities.
"If you're good and want to achieve something, it will come to you. There's no need to rush. I looked at my personal progression, who I am, and the club's project."
In addition to Zubimendi's imminent arrival, the Gunners want to sign a new centre-forward, with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres among their preferred targets.
Talks over new contracts for Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Gabriel, Leandro Trossard, Thomas Partey, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri are also ongoing.