Arsenal are “set to sign” Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, according to Daily Mail reporter Sami Mokbel.

The journalist, who is usually very reliable when it comes to the Gunners, claims the deal is “virtually completed” with Mikel Arteta‘s side set to pay his €60m (£51m) release clause.

However, Zubimendi WON’T JOIN the club until next summer, which may disappoint fans who were hoping for a new addition this month.

The midfielder has been a long-term target for Arteta, who first tried to secure his signature during the 2023 January transfer window but it seems he has finally got his man two years later.

Liverpool were frontrunners to sign Zubimendi

Back in the summer, it was reported that the Merseyside club came very close to securing the services of the 25-year-old.

Zubimendi is said to have made a U-turn on the deal at the very last minute, deciding to remain in Spain. Speaking about the move in December, the Spaniard said that he had no regrets about the decision:

“It was an uncomfortable time for me but I weighed the pros and cons and concluded that the best option was to stay. I don’t believe in ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ opportunities. If you’re good and want to achieve something, it will come to you. There’s no need to rush.”

“I stayed because I knew this season would be important for me in the team, and I still had steps to take. It wasn’t that hard of a decision.”

How will this impact Arsenal in the short term?

If the move is completed, it is unlikely to impact any deals in January. The transfer has been agreed ahead of the summer, not only to head off interest from Liverpool and other teams, but also due to financial reasons.

A new accounting year will start in July so paying £51m up front will not affect the Gunners in terms of potential breaches of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability rules.

Of course, Zubimendi’s arrival could have consequences for the likes of Jorginho and Thomas Partey. Both have contracts that expire at the end of the season and this latest development suggests that they may well end up leaving the Emirates.

Find out who is in Arsenal’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here