Arsenal are expected to oversee a very summer transfer window with four huge midfield updates recently emerging. Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta have numerous requirements they wish to fulfil ahead of the 2025/26 season and many of those that could be completed early on come in the engine room.
Despite Declan Rice and Mikel Merino arriving to strengthen the Gunners' midfield, further additions are wanted. Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle had been strongly linked but it was decided earlier this year that Martin Zubimendi would be joining from Real Sociedad in the summer.
A £51million release clause being present in his contract makes it a relatively straightforward deal but the Gunners could instead choose to pay slightly over that sum but do so using instalments.
It looks as though Arsenal have decided on the route they wish to take with BBC Sport reporting that Zubimendi is set for a medical with all the important paperwork now completed. An official announcement will therefore arrive in due course.
That major update came just 24 or so hours on from Jorginho confirming his departure from the club after two-and-a-half years. "You know, sometimes the season is more than just football, it is about moments," he said over the top of an Instagram video titled 'with love and respect'.
"People, growth. It is about feeling part of something bigger than yourself. When I arrived at Arsenal I wasn't just joining a club, I was stepping into a family. "A team full of hunger, passion and purpose.
"I gave everything I had, every day, every match. "Not just for the result but for this shirt, for the fans. "Your support, it meant everything whether I was starting or on the bench.
"You made me feel valued, loved. "That's rare in football and I'll never forget it."
With one midfielder leaving and another about to arrive, it looks to be an ideal swap for all parties involved. There are, however, still some big decisions to be made in that area of the pitch that are centred around contracts.
Thomas Partey sees his deal expire at the end of June but talks are underway over an extension with Arteta wanting the Ghana international and Zubimendi in his squad for next season.
There has also been a development on forgotten star Albert Sambi Lokonga following his loan spell concluding at Sevilla. Injuries have impacted him this season and therefore an exit from north London is expected.
However, the Standard have since reported Arsenal have taken up the option to extend his contract by another 12 months which means it will now expire in 2026. That could mean he stays at the club, but it is more likely he still departs just now for a fee.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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