Arsenal are expecting to strike another summer deal after their rumoured attempts to reach a pre-agreement over signing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with the Gunners seemingly trying to back Mikel Arteta ahead of time.
Arsenal hope to have Zubimendi deal pre-agreed before summer
During the January window, a report by The Daily Mail broke news that Arsenal were advancing in talks over a pre-summer deal for Zubimendi, as they plan to trigger the £50 million release clause in his Sociedad contract.
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This was later reinforced by other reliable media sources, like renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, who shared news of “positive talks” between Zubimendi’s entourage and Arsenal ahead of the summer window.
Since then, The Athletic have reiterated that Arsenal hope to have a deal for Zubimendi agreed before the summer window opens, so this transfer is very much alive as Arteta’s side hunt for a world-class heir to the likes of Jorginho and Thomas Partey – who are both nearing the end of their contracts.
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Arsenal’s next five Premier League games |
Date |
|---|---|
|
Leicester City (away) |
February 15th |
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West Ham (home) |
February 22nd |
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Nottingham Forest (away) |
February 26th |
|
Man United (away) |
March 9th |
|
Chelsea (home) |
March 16th |
While other clubs could still come into the mix and present tempting of proposals of their own for the Spain international, it appears Arsenal have laid the most groundwork and are looking to win the race very early doors.
Zubimendi, a boyhood Sociedad supporter, has been pivotal for the La Liga side – and his affection for the club means that negotiations on his side may not be as straightforward as triggering his exit clause.
Nevertheless, Arsenal are looking to Spain for reinforcements, with Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia still firmly on their radar.
The shot-stopper played a starring role in their push for promotion from the Segunda División last season, and has continued to impress in La Liga, with members of the Spanish press believing he looks “world-class” already.
Garcia agreed personal terms with Arsenal last summer, but they couldn’t find a club-to-club agreement via Espanyol, forcing them to settle on a season-long loan deal for another David Raya back-up option in Neto.
Arsenal expecting to sign Joan Garcia after Martin Zubimendi
Now, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, writing for Football Insider, the north Londoners are very confident they’ll seal their second summer deal after Zubimendi with a swoop for Garcia.
Arsenal expect to finally land Garcia in the summer, once they’ve put pen to paper on Zubimendi’s signing, and the 23-year-old’s contract is also thought to include a release clause set at around £21 million.
There is apparently real optimism at the Emirates they’ll shake hands with Espanyol on an agreement for Garcia, and it is clear why they’re so keen on the young keeper.
He’s played every La Liga minute for the newly-promoted Spaniards this season, keeping three clean sheets, with Garcia standing out as an option for both now and for the very long-term.
