By Kingsley Arsenal are now making considerable progress in their attempts to upgrade Mikel Arteta’s squad for next season.
New sporting director Andrea Berta is working on several deals right now. Arsenal are poised to bid again for Cristhian Mosquera at Valencia, the latest player they hope to bring in to improve squad depth.
Arsenal have won the race to sign Christian Norgaard from Brentford, and Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga should also be another experienced addition to Mikel Arteta’s team. However, all of the names listed are predominantly being targeted to improve squad depth, even if they will often appear on the pitch.
In terms of improving the club’s starting eleven, Arsenal have agreed to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, a move that might be official very soon.
Martin Zubimendi has flown to London to sign for Arsenal
Recent reports in Spain stated that Martin Zubimendi was ready to say ‘goodbye’ to Real Sociedad ahead of his move to Arsenal. Local Real Sociedad source Noticias de Gipuzkoa confirmed that Zubimendi has now travelled to London.
According to the report, Zubimendi flew from Spain to London on Sunday with his representative Inaki Ibanez. It’s expected that the Spain international will soon officially be an Arsenal player, with a deal expected to be announced in early July.
Arsenal have agreed to pay £54m for Zubimendi — slightly more than his release clause so that payments can be made in installments. Arteta had reportedly been messaging Zubimendi for a long time to convince him to join Arsenal, and it seems the club’s efforts have succeeded.
How will Martin Zubimendi slot into Mikel Arteta’s midfield?
Zubimendi, although more stylistically similar to Jorginho, is expected to replace Thomas Partey next season. He will likely play at the base of midfield, with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard ahead of him.
Arteta will also have Mikel Merino, Ethan Nwaneri, and Christian Norgaard available for rotation. Kai Havertz, though often used as a striker, may also drop into midfield when needed.
Arsenal are making progress in their hunt for a new striker, and Havertz may need to share minutes up front. Regardless of the final formation, Zubimendi is expected to be a central figure in Arteta’s plans.