A big-money move for Martin Zubimendi is just the start of Arsenal's summer plans, with a contract extension for key player Gabriel Magalhaes also on the cards. The central defender's current contract runs until 2027, but the Gunners are keen to secure his future at the club.
Zubimendi is believed to have flown in for a medical this week ahead of his high-profile transfer, having snubbed Liverpool last summer. Despite last-minute attempts by La Real's management to persuade him to stay, it seems he's ready to reunite with former teammates Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard in North London.
This would mark the first major deal under the guidance of new sporting director Andrea Berta, who joined midway through the season. Meanwhile, behind-the-scenes negotiations with Gabriel are progressing, with BBC Sport reporting that an agreement is near.
The club is working to expedite Gabriel's contract extension to avoid any potential issues. His fellow centre-back William Saliba's contract also expires in the same year, and Arsenal are eager to prevent either player from running down their contracts.
Saliba has caught the eye of Real Madrid. However, the Spanish team has already signed Dean Huijsen this summer, so it remains to be seen how this will affect their pursuit of the French international.
Gabriel's absence due to injury during the crucial stages of the season was a blow for Arsenal, but he's expected to return fit for the upcoming campaign.
Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal
Gabriel Magalhaes of Arsenal (Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
He missed out on the Champions League knockout games against Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain due to a hamstring issue, with PSG knocking Arsenal out in the semi-finals.
Arsenal faced significant challenges upfront as well, prompting speculation about potential new signings. Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are rumored to be on the radar, while Newcastle's entry into the Champions League has made the pursuit of Alexander Isak more complicated.
After the season's final match, Mikel Arteta, when probed about his discussions with co-chair Josh Kroenke, said, "We'll have enough time in the next few days to discuss the topics that you are probably suspecting, and we'll do it in the right environment. Today was just about the game.
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"In order to achieve that, a lot of things have to happen. The team has to provide, that player has to play a certain amount of minutes and games."
"Believe me, we are on it," and added, "We will try to squeeze and think and turn every stone that we possibly can, to make this club even more successful.
"But I think what these boys have done, the team has done, regarding everything that has happened, I repeat myself, I think they deserve a lot of credit."