Arsenal are poised to secure the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with a transfer fee exceeding the 26-year-old's release clause of £55million.
The Gunners have opted for a slightly higher amount than the player's release clause, allowing them to spread the payments across instalments and avoid paying in one lump sum, thus easing PSR concerns.
Mikel Arteta's side initially reached the late stages of a deal to bring Zubimendi to the Emirates in January, after the Spanish midfielder declined an offer from Premier League rivals Liverpool last summer.
He remained in Spain for the rest of this season, and despite the prospect of a late hijacking by Real Madrid, it has now been confirmed that north London will be Zubimendi's destination this window, with a fee greater than the player's release clause having been agreed.
As reported by The Athletic, Arsenal will shell out £55m to secure the services of Real Sociedad's enforcer, although they could have acquired him for a slightly lower £51m, which is the figure set for Zubimendi's release clause.
However, as mentioned, the larger sum allows payments to be made in instalments, enabling the club to theoretically spend more this summer, while maintaining a healthy PSR.
The Gunners could have jeopardised their chances of signing a high-profile striker this window if they had opted to pay the release clause in one go, reports the Express.
Benjamin Sesko is the sharpshooter who has emerged from a list of Arsenal targets, which includes Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak. Talks have reportedly begun for the RB Leipzig star, who netted 21 goals in all competitions for the Bundesliga side last year.
Arsenal could be set for a financial boost in their transfer pursuit of Benjamin Sesko
The Gunners could also secure Sesko's services this summer (Image: Getty Images)
Sesko inked a new contract with his current club last summer, which runs until 2029, but with Leipzig failing to qualify for European football, it looks likely he will leave.
It's hoped that a fee around £70m might lure the Slovenian to the Emirates, and without any PSR issues, Arsenal could feasibly propose such an amount.
Despite being in pole position for Sesko and making strong efforts to secure his signature, Saudi Pro League team Al-Hilal could disrupt the Gunners' plans as they hunt for a leading striker ahead of the Club World Cup.
Victor Osimhen of Napoli was approached by the Riyadh-based club, but he declined the offer. As a result, focus has shifted elsewhere.
Gyokeres is another player linked, but he too has shown little interest in relocating to the Middle East. Sky Sports has now reported that Al-Hilal have shifted their focus to 22-year-old Sesko.
They could potentially offer him a lucrative contract to lure him in before they fly out for the Club World Cup in the US. However, any such deal would need to be finalised before the deadline on 10 June.
Join the football.london Arsenal WhatsApp channel
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
Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london's dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!
By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.
To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!
If you're curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.