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Arsenal look to be closing in on their first signing of the summer with Real Sociedad playmaker Martin Zubimendi in London to finalise a move to the Emirates.

David Ornstein, of The Athletic, claims the Spanish international is in London today meet with Arsenal officials to finalise a move to the Emirates Stadium. The two parties will negotiate the formalities ahead of a move that has been months in the making.

The 26-year-old, who has a £51.7m release clause in his current Sociedad contract, has beenMikel Arteta'smain midfield target this summer and an agreement would kick startAndrea Berta's tenure as Arsenal sporting director.

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The Gunners have been working on a deal for a number of months with Arteta driving negotiations for the deep-lying midfielder.

The two clubs already have a good relationship after transfer business last summer, which saw Mikel Merino move to the Emirates Stadium.

LaLiga giants Real Madrid were also admirers of the Spanish midfielder, but opted against a move, despite speculation linking Zubimendi with a move to Xabi Alonso's side.

The new Los Blancos boss coached the midfielder during the early part of his managerial career and the two often draw comparisons in terms of style-of-play.

Zubimendi turned down a move to Liverpool last summer, opting to remain in San Sebastian for the 2024-25 campaign, but the Gunners look as though they've been able to lure him to north London.

Arteta's side struggled with injuries in forward areas of the pitch last season, and although an attacking signing this summer remains a priority, uncertainty around Thomas Partey's future at the club and Jorginho's recent departure means the Gunners are a little in central midfield.

Football.london understands talks regarding a new deal for Partey are ongoing, but the Gunners are yet to strike an agreement.

The Gunners have been linked with summer transfer swoops for Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, though a move for the latter two stars seem the most likely.

Isak would be Arteta's dream signing this summer, but Newcastle are adamant the Swedish international will not leave St. James' Park while Ekitike also has a huge asking price.

After finishing second in the Premier League last season, Arsenal will be hoping their summer transfer business puts them in a much better position come the end of next season, with a top flight title their main focus.