Arsenal have communicated to the board of Real Madrid that they’re about to seal the deal for a “world-class” player, according to an intriguing report.
Arsenal's summer transfer plans ramp up amid Champions League campaign
On the field, Mikel Arteta has one clear focus after missing out on the Premier League crown to Liverpool – winning Arsenal their first ever Champions League title.
Arteta sold Arsenal gem for just £4m, now he's outscoring Isak & Sesko
The incredible poacher would have been useful for Arsenal this season.
ByJack Salveson HolmesApr 28, 2025
The Gunners face Ligue 1 champions PSG over two historic European semi-final legs which could define their campaign, and Luis Enrique’s side come as a very tough obstacle they must overcome.
Bournemouth (home)
May 3rd
Liverpool (away)
May 11th
Newcastle United (home)
May 18th
Southampton (away)
May 25th
Arsenal will take encouragement from Aston Villa’s entertaining win against them in the last round at Villa Park, which proved they’re not unbeatable, with OGC Nice also ending the club’s unbeaten streak in the French top flight by clinching a surprise 3-1 win at the Parc des Princes last Friday.
The north Londoners already boast a victory against PSG this term, with Arsenal beating them 2-0 at the Emirates in October, so it is clear that Arteta’s side are in with a real chance of reaching their first Champions League final since 2006.
“I think prepare as well as you possibly can,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s excitement to face PSG over the two legs. “Make sure that your energy is balanced. Make sure that you’re understanding what you have to do. It’s time to express yourself out there and enjoy being a footballer and playing in one of the best stages that you can play in world football.”
New sporting director Andrea Berta, meanwhile, is working to prepare for his first summer transfer window in his new role.
Reports suggest Arsenal are looking to strengthen Arteta’s squad across the board, and could spend as much as £300 million doing so (GiveMeSport). One of their key transfer plans for the summer is signing a star new central midfield player, despite Arsenal recently opening talks with Thomas Partey over a contract extension.
Arsenal tell Real Madrid they've "practically finalised" Zubimendi deal
According to Cadena SER, Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, who’s been targeted for a pre-summer deal since January (The Mail), is very nearly through the door.
Multiple reports last week, including from both David Ornstein and Marca reporter Juan Castro, indicated that there is real belief at Arsenal that they’re on the verge of sealing a deal for Zubimendi, with Cadena making another interesting claim.
The outlet shares news of Arsenal informing Real Madrid’s board that their signing of Zubmendi is “practically finalised”, with the Whites told that they may have to look elsewhere in pursuit of a new midfielder.
Premier League sides are apparently threatening to scupper their summer plans, with Chelsea also viewed as Real’s main competitors for Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen, while it is believed Los Blancos may not have the financial firepower to compete with England’s elite.
It seems as if Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause will be triggered by Arsenal, and a wide array of media sources, including Cadena, suggest the Spain international will be Berta’s first major signing as director.
The “world-class” technician, as he was called by Kieran Tierney, has also been described as the “perfect” midfielder for Arsenal (Fabrizio Romano).