Arsenal are all set to secure the services of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, though the eventual £55million transfer fee will be greater than the 26-year-old’s release clause. Unlike if the Gunners simply agreed to meet the midfielder's release clause, agreeing a slightly higher amount allows them to spread the payments across instalments, helping to ease PSR concerns.
Mikel Arteta’s side initially agreed on a deal in principal to bring Zubimendi to the Emirates in January, after the Spanish midfielder turned down the opportunity to join Premier League rivals Liverpool last summer. He stayed in Spain for the remainder of this campaign, and despite it looking like an late interest from Real Madrid, it has now been confirmed that north London will be Zubimendi’s destination this window, with a fee greater than the star’s release clause having been agreed.
According to The Athletic, Arsenal will spend £55m to secure the services of Real Sociedad’s enforcer, though they could have snapped him up for a slightly reduced £51m if they had wished, as that is the figure Zubimendi’s release clause is set at.
However, as explained, the greater sum allows payments to be made in instalments, allowing the club to theoretically spend more this summer, as their PSR would remain healthy.
Taking a bigger, nightmare financial hit, as they would if they were to pay the release clause in one lump sum, could have potentially scuppered the Gunners’ chances of landing a big-name striker this window.
Benjamin Sesko is the marksman who has emerged from an array of Arsenal targets, including Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak, with negotiations opened up for the RB Leipzig star. The 22-year-old bagged 21 goals in all competitions for the Bundesliga outfit last year, but, on the back of Leipzig missing out on European football, funds have to be raised.
Sesko penned a new deal with his current employers last summer, which lasts until 2029. But, the hope is that a fee in the region of £70m could tempt the Slovenian to the Emirates, and with no PSR concerns, the Gunners could realistically offer such a sum.
Yet, despite leading the race for Sesko and pushing hard to secure his services, Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal could throw a spanner in the works as they search for a top striker to bring in ahead of the Club World Cup.
Napoli’s Victor Osimhen was approached by the Riyadh outfit, but he turned down the offer. Therefore, attentions have turned elsewhere. Gyokeres is another name whoi has been linked, but he, too, has shown little interest in moving to the Middle East.
Sky Sports reports that Al-Hilal have now moved on to 22-year-old Sesko. They could potentially offer him a handsome contract to entice him in before they jet off for the Club World Cup in the US. However, a deal would have to be sealed before the deadline on June 10.