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Arsenal are inching closer to securing the services of Real Sociedad's midfielder, Martin Zubimendi. The Spanish international has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer as the Gunners look to strengthen their midfield.

Zubimendi has also attracted interest from Real Madrid, but all indications suggest that he'll be joining Mikel Arteta's squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.

Rumours indicate that Arsenal are ready to pay slightly more than the €60million (£51million) release clause in Zubimendi's contract. It's also been suggested that the deal might not be finalised until July, marking the start of a new financial year for European clubs, including the Gunners and Sociedad.

If Arsenal manage to secure the Zubimendi deal, they'll have an important decision to make regarding his senior squad number. As is often the case with new signings, clubs usually assign players a number immediately upon arrival.

Sometimes, squad numbers are allocated later in the summer once more deals have been completed, reports Football London. Currently, Arsenal have two ideal options for Zubimendi, should they secure the signing of the Spanish international.

The Gunners currently have numbers 10 and 14 available for new recruits. The No.10 shirt has been vacant since Emile Smith Rowe's transfer to Fulham last year - and Eddie Nketiah was the last to wear the No 14, formerly donned by Thierry Henry.

But the No. 10 shirt has been adorned by the likes of Dennis Bergkamp and Mesut Ozil - and appears a likely consideration for the Gunners new ball-playing supremo.

Meanwhile, Benjamin Sesko, another target for Arsenal, has given fans a glimpse into his off-season routine as speculation about a move to Arsenal intensifies. Sesko, whose contract with RB Leipzig is due to expire in June 2029, made 33 appearances in the Bundesliga this season, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists.

Despite his best efforts, the German side failed to secure a place in any of UEFA's three club competitions. Since then, the Slovenian international has shared a video of himself working out in what seems to be a home gym, cycling on an exercise bike on Sunday morning.