are closing in on the signing of Real Sociedad and Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with reports claiming the Gunners are set to trigger his £51million release clause.

for a number of years. Zubimendi was close to leaving Sociedad last summer, but he opted to stay in Spain.

A move to Liverpool collapsed after the midfielder decided to stay at Sociedad for one more year. Earlier this season, it was reported that Arsenal had become the frontrunners to land him.

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News of the Gunners' summer move for Zubimendi emerged on Saturday morning, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that the 26-year-old has verbally agreed a long-term deal at the Emirates Stadium.

Zubimendi has showcased his quality for club and country in the last two years but the Gunners have already been told what to expect from the midfielder.

Xabi Alonso managed Zubimendi during his time with Real Sociedad's B team, which he was in charge of before taking over at Bayer Leverkusen. "Martin's a player all coaches would want," he told The Guardian in 2022.

"He's generous, he's always think more about his teammates that himself. He has that ability to generate play, to make those around him better, always offering solutions; to improve the move.

"He understands what the next step is before the ball gets to him. He has that ability to organise, the axis. I loved working with him.”

Zubimendi comes in to improve Arteta's midfield with a new attacker expected to be prioritised at the end of the season. Alexander Isak is the priority in north London but Viktor Gyokeres is reportedly favoured by new sporting director Andrea Berta.