Arsenal are making swift progress in the transfer market after a poor season.
Mikel Arteta finished the 2024/25 campaign without a trophy for a fourth season in a row, with the 2020 FA Cup all he has to show for his efforts in north London, along with two FA Community Shields.
Arsenal are, at least, trying to improve after finishing ten points behind Liverpool, with Andrea Berta – Director of Football at the Emirates Stadium – now getting closer to sealing a transfer Ian Wright ordered the Gunners to complete.
Martin Zubimendi set to undergo medical today
AS in Spain now reveal that Martin Zubimendi is expected to undergo his medical with Arsenal in the next few hours.
The Spanish news outlet believe the 26-year-old has already signed a contract with Arsenal, and the Gunners will trigger his €60m (£50m) release clause.
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Real Madrid were hopeful of hijacking the deal to sign Zubimendi, although Berta had simply made too much progress in negotiations, with AS adding that the arrival of Xabi Alonso happened too late for Los Blancos to make a serious push.
Ian Wright one step closer to transfer satisfaction
As Arsenal began to fall away from Liverpool in February, Wright became agitated, and demanded to see an improvement in recruitment this summer, starting with the arrival of the Spain international.
Wright said Arsenal “better” sign Zubimendi, telling his Wrighty’s House podcast: “I am hoping that Zubimendi comes to us, to be honest.
“How much do they want us to get back to the mountain top and stay there? At the moment, I’m worried about the recruitment. I need to see a Sporting Director come in, and I need to hear some (movement) like you mentioned (with) Zubimendi. That better happen as far as I’m concerned.”
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Don Martín Zubimendi ✨#WeareReal pic.twitter.com/B2Sdgj6dwX
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Arteta still wants a striker – Arsenal have spoken to Benjamin Sesko – so Berta has more work to do once Zubimendi is officially signed, but the central midfielder joining would represent a good start to the transfer window.