Arsenal expecting to beat Real Madrid to key midfielder target

Arsenal are planning their summer transfer business around the expected arrival of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, it has been revealed.

After a failed pursuit from Liverpool last summer, it is Arsenal who have continued the push to bring Zubimendi to the Premier League and there were even premature reports in January stating that a deal was already agreed.

Evidently feeling the threat of missing out, Real Madrid have begun chasing Zubimendi's signature as part of a push to increase the number of Spanish internationals in the squad, although it is thought that Arsenal remain ahead in the race.

Indeed, Arsenal are so confident that, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, club officials are already "expecting" to add Zubimendi to their squad this summer.

It is stressed that there are not yet any signs to suggest a deal has been formally agreed in secret, but former sporting director Edu and his temporary replacement, Jason Ayto, had already put in plenty of work in the hope of gifting Andrea Berta, the new transfer guru, a simple set of negotiations.

Zubimendi boasts a relationship with Gunners midfielder Mikel Merino, forming a partnership with his fellow Spain international at club level before the latter's departure to the Emirates last summer.

As well as a new midfielder, Arsenal have plans to bolster a number of positions and are known to be chasing a striker, winger and backup goalkeeper. There also have been plenty of links to a new full-back.

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