Zubimendi set for medical before £51m Arsenal move

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is set to have a medical before completing a switch to Arsenal.

Well-placed sources have confirmed to BBC Sport that all the relevant documents in relation to the Spain international's switch to the Emirates have been signed, with the deal entering its closing stages.

The transfer is subject to a successful medical that Arsenal are in the process of organising.

Because the paperwork for Zubimendi's switch has been completed all parties are relaxed about the scheduling of the medical, but there is a will to wrap up the formalities of the deal swiftly.

Once the 26-year-old passes the medical, Arsenal will be in a position to announce Zubimendi's signing.

Zubimendi has a reported £51m release clause, with all payment structures between Sociedad and Arsenal already agreed.

Arsenal have been long-term admirers of Zubimendi and have been working on a deal to sign him for a number of months.

In addition to Zubimendi's imminent arrival, the Gunners want to sign a new centre-forward, with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres among their preferred targets.

Talks over new contracts for Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Gabriel, Leandro Trossard, Thomas Partey, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri are also ongoing.

Since treading the well-worn path from Sociedad's famed academy to the club's first team, Zubimendi has become one of the most sought-after midfielders in Europe.

He has been linked to Barcelona, Real Madrid and Liverpool in recent years.

Zubimendi has largely played as a deep-lying midfielder since making his Sociedad debut in 2019, although he is capable of playing in a more advanced role.

Arsenal were heavily reliant on defensive midfielder Thomas Partey this season. While Arteta wants the Ghana international to sign a new contract, signing Zubimendi would bolster Arsenal's options considerably.

Zubimendi proved his ability on the international stage last summer when he starred off the bench in Spain's 1-0 defeat of England in the final of Euro 2024 after replacing the injured Rodri.