Martin Zubimendi and Mikel Arteta (Photo by Denis Doyle, Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta is being tasked with finalising the transfer of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
The Italian recently took over from Edu at the Emirates Stadium, and it now seems that one of his main first tasks is to ensure the signing of Zubimendi is delivered.
That’s according to Charles Watts in this week’s exclusive CaughtOffside column, with the Arsenal expert giving his insight into how the deal is progressing.
Watts seems to be hearing that Arsenal remain confident of signing Zubimendi, despite reports in the Spanish press suggesting that Real Madrid could hijack the deal.
Martin Zubimendi looks like a major transfer priority for Arsenal
Watts notes that Arsenal have both Jorginho and Thomas Partey out of contract at the end of the season, so a new midfield signing like Zubimendi is a top priority for the Gunners.
Discussing his latest information on the Zubimendi saga, Watts said: “As far as I’m aware Arsenal are still hopeful that they will win the race to sign Martin Zubimendi this summer.
“I know there have been reports from Spain suggesting that Real Madrid have stepped up their attempts to land the midfielder in recent weeks and that his head may have been turned.
“I can’t really confirm anything about the level of Madrid’s interest in Zubimendi, I’m just not sure about that. But I know that Arsenal remain hopeful of getting a deal over the line for the Real Sociedad star.
“They have put a lot of effort into signing the Spaniard, with Jason Ayto – who was the club’s interim sporting director before the appointment of Andrea Berta – at the forefront of that work.
“And with Berta now at the club he is being tasked with closing the deal for the Spain international, with the expectation that Arsenal will look to get it done early in the transfer window.
“Zubimendi is seen as a priority for Arsenal this summer, with Jorginho certain to leave and Thomas Partey’s future far from clear as he heads towards the end of his contract.”
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