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Arsenal are reportedly set to hand a major transfer blow to Manchester United and Man City as they push to sign Martin Zubimendi, in a deal worth £51million.
The Daily Mail first reported that the Gunners were at an advanced stage of negotiations with the Real Sociedad midfielder over a prospective move in the summer. It has been suggested that a deal is “virtually completed” with Mikel Arteta set to welcome a second midfielder in as many transfer windows from the Basque country.
Liverpool had a strong interest and saw their efforts to land the Spaniard last year in vain after he turned down a move to Merseyside. Arsenal, the Mail adds, want to sign him this month but his current club have insisted that he remains with the La Liga outfit until the end of the season.
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Both United and City expressed an interest for the 25-year-old, last summer the MEN reported that Zubimendi was on the list of potential midfield recruits. Old Trafford chiefs were keen on bringing in reinforcements in the middle of the pitch and the Spain international was considered alongside future-signing Manuel Ugarte.
Pep Guardiola’s side were linked with a move for the in-demand Sociedad midfielder following a season-ending injury for Rodri. However, the MEN reported in December that City were not expecting to sign either Zubimendi or Bruno Guimaraes this month.
In North London, both Thomas Partey and Jorginho are out of contract at the end of the season – the impending expiry of the duos contracts, although the pair’s future remains unclear, have accelerated interest in Zubimeni, the Mail claims.
The transfer window closes on February 3, while clubs can reinvest in their squad for the following campaign from the middle of June – with an official date yet to be confirmed.