‘Set to signed’ – Arsenal considering Newcastle United star after agreeing £55m transfer

The long-awaited transfer of Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal appears to be nearing completion, with the Gunners ready to finalize a £55 million deal for the Real Sociedad midfielder.

According to The Athletic, the North London club consider the move effectively done, with only formalities remaining before the Spanish international joins Mikel Arteta’s squad for pre-season preparations.

Zubimendi, who turned down Liverpool’s advances last summer, has now decided the time is right to embark on a new challenge. Real Sociedad have reportedly requested the official completion of the transfer be delayed until July for accounting purposes, but all parties expect the 25-year-old to be an Arsenal player when the new campaign begins.

Interestingly, while Real Madrid reportedly admire the player, they never actively pursued him, leaving Arsenal with a clear path to secure their primary midfield target.

The deal structure reveals Arsenal’s financial acumen – while Zubimendi’s release clause stood at £51 million, the Gunners have agreed to pay £4 million more to secure favorable payment terms. Rather than paying the entire fee upfront as the clause would require, Arsenal will spread the cost across instalments, maintaining greater flexibility for their other summer business.

With the Zubimendi deal effectively wrapped up, Arsenal’s attention now turns to bolstering their attacking options. The club’s recruitment team are actively working on securing both a striker and a winger, with several high-profile names under consideration.

For the center-forward position, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko remains a prime target following his impressive Bundesliga campaign. Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, fresh from a 43-goal season in Portugal, and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins also feature prominently on Arsenal’s shortlist. Each offers distinct qualities that could enhance Arteta’s frontline as the Gunners look to mount another serious title challenge.

Out wide, the club have identified several exciting possibilities. Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams has emerged as a potential option following his standout performances at Euro 2024, while Real Madrid’s Rodrygo represents another tantalizing prospect should the Spanish giants consider selling.

Perhaps most intriguingly, Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon has admirers at the Emirates, though any move for the England international would likely require a club-record fee.

Newcastle’s precarious financial position has led to speculation about Gordon’s availability, but the Magpies would demand a premium for one of their prized assets.

Having paid £40 million to Everton just eighteen months ago, Newcastle would likely seek around £100 million to part ways with the 23-year-old winger – a figure that may prove prohibitive for Arsenal this summer.

While Gordon’s direct running, improved end product, and tactical flexibility would undoubtedly appeal to Arteta, the Gunners must balance their spending across multiple positions.

With a top-class striker likely to command a similar fee, it appears improbable that Arsenal would commit £100 million to any single wide player in the current window. More affordable alternatives like Williams, available for approximately half that amount due to his €50 million release clause, may represent better value.

The impending arrival of Zubimendi coincides with Thomas Partey’s expected exit. The Ghanaian midfielder’s contract expires this summer, and with no renewal agreement in sight, his six-year Arsenal tenure appears to be concluding.

While Partey’s departure will leave a void in midfield experience, Zubimendi’s acquisition – along with the continued development of Jorginho and Mo Elneny’s retention – should provide adequate cover.

Arsenal’s summer business extends beyond outfield reinforcements. The club are reportedly close to securing Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in a £5 million deal, providing experienced competition for David Raya. The Spanish shot-stopper, who spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, would offer reliable backup at a reasonable price.