Martin Zubimendi is on his way to Arsenal this summer | OneFootball

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi is poised to join Arsenal during the summer transfer window, according to reputed Spanish journalist Oscar Badallo.

The 26-year-old has been a long-term target for the Gunners. The Daily Mail claimed in January that they are set to sign him for his £50 million release clause this summer.

There has recently been speculation that Real Madrid could hijack the deal, but speaking during the Sociedad-Real Valladolid game, Badallo dismissed the story.

Badallo told Radio Marca: “Zubimendi is on his way to Arsenal. There’s no need to dwell on it any further. Last year, Barcelona was the name of the game, this year, Real Madrid.”

Zubimendi set to join Arsenal after long transfer saga

Zubimendi has been linked with the Gunners for some time. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was initially keen on bringing him to the Premier League a couple of years ago.

The Spaniard was reluctant to leave his boyhood club. Liverpool were close to signing him last summer, but the midfielder made a late decision to continue at the Basque outfit.

It appears Arsenal have eventually won the race for his services. Zubimendi has agreed to pursue a new challenge away from Sociedad, and Mikel Merino may have influenced his decision.

Merino, who joined Arsenal from Sociedad last summer, had a brilliant midfield partnership with Zubimendi. The Spaniard looks set to be reunited with his compatriot in pre-season.

Zubimendi’s main strengths are his ball-playing ability and duel-winning skills. He is brilliant in the air and has the traits to become a successful holding midfielder at Arsenal.

Thomas Partey and Jorginho could leave on free transfers when their contracts expire on June 30. Zubimendi could be seen as a perfect replacement in the Gunners squad.

Arsenal may not pursue another defensive midfielder. They have Declan Rice and Merino in their ranks. Myles Lewis-Skelly, who has been a revelation at left-back, can also play there.

The Gunners have a good working relationship with Sociedad from last year’s signing of Merino.

The London giants were prepared to play the waiting game for the midfielder and only signed him after weeks of negotiations.

Arsenal will hope to negotiate a long-term payment plan for Zubimendi instead of triggering his £50 million buy-out clause.

They may be willing to pay a slightly higher fee to persuade Sociedad to accept staggered payments.

Zubimendi is expected to be one of several summer signings for Arsenal. A marquee striker, a versatile winger and a back-up goalkeeper could join the club alongside the Spaniard.