Martin Zubimendi’s move to Arsenal is now “considered a done deal”, according to reports in the Spanish media.

Trusted journalist David Ornstein said last week that the Gunners are “expecting” the midfielder to seal his switch from Real Sociedad at the end of the season and now Marca have also made the same claim.

The Madrid-based publication believe that Mikel Arteta’s side are set to trigger the €60m (£51.5m) release clause in Zubimendi’s contract.

The only two scenarios where a move doesn’t happen are if the Kroenkes refuse to pay the full amount up front, or if Real Madrid make the last-ditch effort to sign the player.

Neither is said to be particularly likely so it is assumed that Zubimendi will be an Arsenal player next season.

Arsenal fans will be wary of past events

It should be pointed out that Liverpool were confident they had secured Zubimendi’s signature last summer before the 26-year-old performed a U-Turn and remained at Real Sociedad.

However, the Gunners are believed to be very optimistic that they have the full agreement of the player so there should not be any concerns that this move will collapse at the very last moment.

Zubimendi is set to replace one of two midfielders

Both Jorginho and Thomas Partey have contracts that expire at the end of June and, as things stand, neither are expected to be offered an extension.

It means Arteta could be left rather short of options in the middle of the park, so the decision to sanction a move for Zubimendi does make a lot of sense.

Not many supporters would regard a midfielder as a top priority for the next transfer window, with most feeling a No.9 should be higher up the agenda, but it seems the club is gearing up for a big summer, with several new arrivals expected.

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