Arsenal will reportedly complete the signing of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi at the end of the season.
The 25-year-old has been one of the most sought-after midfielders by Europe's top clubs over the last 12 months or so.
Liverpool were heavily linked with a move for Zubimendi last summer, but a transfer to Anfield for the Spain international failed to materialise as he opted to remain at boyhood club Real Sociedad.
Zubimendi, who has claimed that he had to be "selfish" in his decision to reject Liverpool last summer, has also attracted interest from Manchester City, who are known to be in the transfer market for midfield reinforcements due to the long-term absence of injured star Rodri.
The Citizens have allegedly explored the possibility of signing Zubimendi in January and his €60m (£51m) release clause is 'not an obstacle' for Pep Guardiola's side as well as other interested parties.
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Arsenal beat Liverpool, Man City to Zubimendi signing?
Both Liverpool and Man City have since been joined in the race for Zubimendi by Mikel Arteta's Arsenal, who are believed to have been monitoring the midfielder closely for the last few months.
Real Sociedad sporting director Roberto Olabe recently stated that he does not expect Zubimendi to push for an exit during the January transfer window, but a departure next summer could now be on the cards.
Indeed, a report from December claimed that Zubimendi would be open to leaving Real Sociedad during next summer's transfer window amid Premier League interest.
Now, the Daily Mail claims that Arsenal are the club who will land long-term target Zubimendi at the end of the current season, seemingly ending Liverpool and Man City's hopes of signing the midfielder.
The report adds that talks over a summer transfer to the Emirates Stadium are now at an advanced stage, with sources indicating the deal is 'virtually completed'.
It is claimed that Arsenal, who are set to trigger Zubimendi's £51m release clause, would like him to link up with Arteta's squad immediately, but Real Sociedad have insisted that the midfielder will stay put until the summer.
Zubimendi is set to follow in the footsteps of Mikel Merino, who swapped Real Sociedad for Arsenal last summer in a deal worth in the region of £30m.
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Zubimendi to replace Jorginho or Partey in Arsenal's midfield?
Although many will argue that Arsenal are in need of attacking reinforcements owing to long-term injuries to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, the latter of whom could be sidelined for the rest of the season with an ACL injury, the Gunners have decided to focus their attentions of luring Zubimendi to North London.
Speculation over the futures of both Jorginho, 33, and Thomas Partey, 31, has been rife for some time, with both midfielders out of contract in the summer.
It is understood that no final decision has been made by Arsenal regarding potential contract offers to Jorginho or Partey, the latter of whom is reportedly wanted by La Liga giants Barcelona.
Arteta admitted this week that he is looking to strengthen his squad, telling reporters, "We are actively looking in the market to improve the squad. That's been like that since day one.
"It would be naive not to do that. It's an opportunity to improve the squad. We are looking. We are trying. Let's see what we can do."
Arsenal currently sit second in the Premier League table, six points behind leaders Liverpool who have a game in hand, and they will face North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates on Wednesday night.
Oliver Thomas
