The Arsenal is close to finalizing one of the biggest transfers of the transfer market. After several months of bidding and back-and-forth, the 'gunners' would be one step away from securing the addition of Martín Zubimendi to Mikel Arteta's squad, thus getting ahead of clubs like FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Manchester City in the race for the midfielder.
According to reports from the 'Daily Mail', the London club has already agreed with Real Sociedad to pay the 60 million euros stipulated in the player's release clause, and his arrival at the Emirates Stadium would take place in the summer. The English team wanted to have 'Zubi' immediately, but the 'txuri-urdin' have insisted that he stays until the end of the season.
A very Donostiarra Arsenal
In this way, the Arsenal makes a strong statement by acquiring one of the most coveted players by the top clubs on the continent. The Barça still had his name on their list of potential signings, while at Chamartín they saw him as the ideal replacement for Toni Kroos. Additionally, Liverpool and Manchester City were also very interested in signing him, but Martín has opted for the 'gunners' offer.
Mikel Arteta would have played a fundamental role in the operation, as he has been trying to persuade Zubimendi to join a team with 'txuri-urdin' colors for over 12 months. The midfielder will join Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino in the Holloway neighborhood, a factor that would also have influenced his final decision. Thus, in London, they would have put an end to one of the biggest 'soap operas' of the market and left the two giants of Spain with their hopes dashed.