“He’s coming in”: Arsenal are now poised to sign “world-class” £51m star – Journalist | OneFootball

Arsenal are poised to sign one of La Liga’s best-performing midfielders during the summer transfer window.

The Gunners are expected to be busy during the off-season, and there could be plenty of incomings.

A new defensive midfielder will likely be signed with Jorginho and Thomas Partey due to leave on free transfers.

Arsenal have been linked with Martin Zubimendi and Bruno Guimaraes, but they are unlikely to sign both.

In a Q&A session for The Athletic, David Ornstein said he does not see the Gunners recruiting both midfielders.

He added that the ship has probably sailed for Guimaraes, who turns 28 this year.

However, the Gunners are at a ‘very advanced’ stage in negotiations for Zubimendi. There is anticipation he will be signed.

Ornstein said: “This is a personal opinion rather than sourced information; I don’t see Arsenal signing both Martin Zubimendi and Bruno Guimaraes.

“We know of the historical background links but that ship seemed to have sailed.

“I’m not sure I can envisage Arsenal paying the kind of money Newcastle would ask for Guimaraes (who, like Isak, they probably want to keep), especially given he turns 28 this year.

“As far as we know, Zubimendi is at a very advanced stage and the anticipation inside Arsenal is that he’s coming in. If that gets completed, it’s a significant financial outlay.”

Arsenal poised to sign Zubimendi instead of Guimaraes

The Gunners have been long-term admirers of Zubimendi. They first wanted to sign him from Sociedad a couple of years ago. The Spaniard was reluctant to leave his boyhood club.

Liverpool agreed a payment package with the La Liga outfit last summer, but Zubimendi opted to stay put. However, he could be prepared to accept a new challenge ahead of next season.

Arsenal are ready to pay the reported £51 million release clause in his contract. Instead of triggering the option, they may prefer to negotiate a long-term payment plan with Sociedad.

Zubimendi has established himself as one of the best midfielders in La Liga.

The 26-year-old, described as ‘world-class‘ by Kieran Tierney, has won almost six duels per game this campaign with 4.1 recoveries, 2.2 clearances and two tackles on average.

He is a specialist defensive midfielder and would be a good acquisition for Arsenal.

Guimaraes would be a statement signing alongside him. He has proved his credentials in the Premier League and would suit manager Mikel Arteta’s playing style at the Gunners.

However, the Magpies may not sell him if they qualify for the Champions League. Even if they don’t, the club could easily demand £80m or more, which would be a deal-breaker.

Arsenal also aim to sign a marquee striker, a back-up goalkeeper and a versatile winger this summer. They may not spend most of the budget on two midfielders.

Stats from Fotmob.com